2021 The Matador

 

Anita and Varinder have long been inspired by the Tempranillo-dominated wines of the Ribera del Duero and Rioja regions of Spain. It's a varietal that not only speaks volumes about its power, but also displays incredible grace. The Matador is muscular with aromas of dark fruit and has notes of warming spices with floral undertones. Appearing brooding at first, this wine is multi layered as it glides over the palate long enough to make you imagine the "bullfight" that inspired the label. 

 

Grapes were carefully berry and cluster sorted, 100% destemmed and fermented in stainless steel. After a cold maceration of 3 days, daily punch-downs, pump-overs and pneumotage were conducted through the first half of fermentation. Minimal capwork thereafter.
 

Anita and I have been longtime fans of Tempranillo produced in Spanish wine regions (Ribera del Duero and
Rioja). When we worked at Booker Vineyards in 2016, we were introduced to and equally inspired by Eric Jensen's Tempranillo from Paso Robles. In 2021, we decided to plant one block of Tempranillo at Copia's Willow Creek Estate and decided to try our hand at producing a Paso Tempranillo. It's the star of The Matador blend at 77% from Caelesta Vineyard in the Templeton Gap District.

 

95 pts, Cellar Selection | Wine Enthusiast

94-96 pts - Jeb Dunnuck | "Classic Tempranillo notes of red and black fruits, sandalwood, cedar pencil, and dried flowers define the aromatics ... a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, ripe and building tannins, and outstanding length." 

 

Ropa Vieja - Chef Kendall Mousley