Wine of the Week: Stottle 2011 Tempranillo Sugarloaf Vineyard @StottleWinery

A blissful bottle of Washington Tempranillo.

It is a privilege to taste, sample, experience and review wine. Over the years I have built a mental image of what wine means to me. The more wine I experience, the more I want to experience. There is a world of wine waiting to be discovered.

If you have followed along with the #winemuse podcast show I am co-hosting, then you know that each month we taste and review a wine from a different country. So far we have visited Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany and next month Austria. As the show has evolved, we have added conversations with the winemakers. We are expanding our knowledge and awareness of wine from around the world and hope that some of you are joining us. It is a lot of fun and worthwhile. My mental image of wine continues to evolve.

How does this translate and how is it relevant to the 2011 Stottle Tempranillo? Recognition of exceptional wine. I knew instantly this would be my "Wine of the Week." Expect more reviews of Stottle wines soon. Big thank you and Kudos to Winemaker Josh Stottlemyer.

Tasting Notes Stottle Tempranillo Sugarloaf Vineyard 2011

Color: Garnet Birthstone.
Nose: Blissful cherry, softest glove leather, nutmeg.
Palate: Delightful, medium-light body, satisfying mouth feel, wonderful texture, happiness. Cherry, with blackberry notes, dry, black tea, spice, with perfect tannin+acid, slightly brambly into the medium finish. Big like. Forced to exercise restraint to stop myself from drinking it all at once. Well done.
20 minutes, richer, fuller in the mouth, satisfying, front palate focused, fine tannin, longer finish. Groovin'!
30 minutes, loved the aroma, focused dark hedonistic fruit, caress of spice. Pow! Pow! Pow! in the mouth. Medley of deliciousness, tongue and gums feeling the tannin love, so supple, pure deliciousness. Oh my!
2.5 hours, spicy coffee, tart blueberry, blackberry juice, a little orange pith, silky mouth, heady dark fruit and tobacco mid-palate, enjoyable dry finish.

Thoughts: Paired with Korean BBQ steak and rice. Wine and Korean BBQ steak had complimentary flavors, dinner was spectacular! This wine was very good at opening and fantastic after 30 minutes. An exceptional wine for dinner and sheer enjoyment. If I had a restaurant this wine would be at the top of my wine list. Strongly Recommended.

Blend: 100% Tempranillo
AVA: Yakima Valley
Vineyard: Sugarloaf Vineyard
Hand Harvested 26 October 2011
ABV: 13.8%
Closure: Natural Cork
Production: 115 Cases
SRP: $29
Winemaker Josh Stottlemyer
Sample provided by the winery

Stottle Winery & Tasting Room
2641 Willamette Dr NE, Suite C
Lacey, WA 98516
360-515-0356
www.stottlewinery.com

Spring/Summer Hours: Wed – Sun : 12pm – 6pm
Fall/Winter Hours: Wed - Sun : 12pm - 5pm
Open most Monday Holidays - Closed Easter Sunday

Stottle Winery was founded by Amy and Josh Stottlemyer. Winemaker Josh Stottlemyer is the force behind the wines of Stottle Winery. After selling his web development and internet marketing firm he took his passion for wine to the Northwest Wine Academy in Seattle. Where he completed their 2 year winemaking program. Josh also holds a bachelors of science from the University of Minnesota where he studied chemical engineering and geology

Related Post:

Wine Review: Stottle Winery 2012 Viognier Eldering Vineyard

Cheers!

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