It’s a mystery that this exceptional Spanish grape isn’t planted more aggressively throughout California, where many growing regions mirror the climate of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Those vintners who take a chance on this beautiful grape seem to find success. The 2015 from Tinto Rey shows impressive complexity, with notes of red and black fruits, a savory overtone, and firm tannins that need another year of two before the wine approaches peak maturity. A Platinum Award winner at the 2019 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Tinto Rey, Dunnigan Hills (California) Tempranillo 2015
By Robert Whitley