Weisinger Family Winery, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Tempranillo 2018

 Acreage planted to Tempranillo has steadily increased in Southern Oregon over the last decade.  Located just outside of Ashland, Weisinger was founded in 1988, making it one of the oldest in Southern Oregon.  After assuming the winemaker’s role, Eric Weisinger began grafting over the Gewurztraminer vines to Tempranillo.  Adjacent to the winery, the Tempranillo occupies a steep, high elevation (2235 feet), northeast facing site.  2018 was an ideally long, slow growing season with the Tempranillo picked in the first week of October.  After being cold soaked and fermented for 20 days by native yeasts, the wine was barrel aged for 17 months in 30% new American oak.  It offers lovely bright cherry fruit with hints of black tea and spice in a solid, medium weight package.  The black cherry and spice theme continues in the deep flavors with subtle oak toast and firm, integrated tannins coming into play.  Beautifully structured and focused throughout, it should drink well over the next 5 to 7 years.