WTN: Tempranillo Insanity

[David M. Bueker]

2015 Enfield Wine Co. Tempranillo Shake Ridge Ranch - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County (1/17/2021)
Opened for a Zoom tasting with John Lockwood, and Elaine Chukan Brown, this wine was just released after 18 months in barrel and another 30+ months in bottle. The extended aging shows with mellow edges around the dusty cherry fruit, and a leathery/spicy tone that comes through after the bottle has been open for an hour or so. It's rewarding to drink now, but shows an effortless balance, which to me signals at least a medium length window for cellaring and further development. The density of fruit is there to support it, and the tannins, while rounder than the other vintages of Enfield Tempranillo that did not see extended elevage, seem to have more tensile strength than their shorter-aged counterparts. This was a good experiment by John, even if it probably messes up the cash flow.

[David M. Bueker]

• 2015 Enfield Wine Co. Tempranillo Shake Ridge Ranch - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County (10/1/2021)
  Red fruit, leather, herbs, dusty trails and a bass note that says “Shake Ridge.” Tasting wines from this site for several years, and from numerous producers, the overall site signature is becoming clear. There’s always this earthy, loamy tone that underlies the wine, whether it’s Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Syrah or some crazy blend. Sooner or later Shake Ridge expresses itself.

[David M. Bueker]

Had another bottle tonight, and I love how the grape and site complement each other.

Ann has Tempranillow planted in three or four different spots at Shake Ridge, and some of the blocks, in my experience, work better than others. Shake Ridge is in a pretty warm location, and it's an early ripening variety. It makes better wine with lower pH at harvest, and the spots where the grapes are flavorful at low pH are the best. I think John figured that out a long time ago, so i'm not surprised at your comments, David.