Santa Ynez is the perfect site for the early ripening Tempranillo grape ("temprano" means "early”) as it is warm but not too hot with sedimentary soils of sand and gravel. Cuttings were suit-cased over from Tinto Pesquera, one of Ribera del Duero’s classic producers. This 100 percent Tempranillo delights the eye with a rich hue while an aromatic force of red cherry, violets, and clove spring from the glass. It unfolds with delicious, dense cherry fruit layers supercharged with freshness and acidity that provide an enduring finish. It is silky and supple with California’s freshness and the depth and texture reminiscent of Ribera del Duero.
Amplify, Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara County, California) Tempranillo 2018
By Miranda Franco