Verdad Tempranillo, 2003 —  
   Along with his wife, Luisa, (Bob) Lindquist also makes this blend of 67 percent Tempranillo, 17 percent syrah and 16 percent Grenache. With the exception of the syrah, this is a somewhat typical Spanish blend, one that you might find in Rioja. It has the forward fruit of a California wine but with a dusty, meaty character and a huge presence of tobacco that signifies Tempranillo. Beautifully balanced.
-By Pamela S. Busch (San Francisco Examiner)

2003 TEMPRANILLO BLEND
67% Tempranillo
17% Syrah
16% Grenache
Santa Ynez Valley

This wine is made from 67% Tempranillo grapes, which were grown organically at the Ibarra-Young Vineyard in Los Olivos. The Syrah component (17%) is from the Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. The Grenache (16%) is from the Purisima Mountain Vineyard (just west of Los Olivos) in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA.

During the 2003 vintage we had unusually warm weather in late summer and early fall. The resulting wines are ripe and forward with lush fruit that is appealing early on.

The Tempranillo was harvested in early October. The grapes were de-stemmed, put into a small open top fermenters, and went through a hot fast fermentation. This was done to tame the tannin levels, which can be dominating.

The Syrah and Grenache were harvested in early October. After de-stemming, the grapes were fermented separately in small open top fermenters and went through long, cool fermentations.

After primary fermentation the wine was put into barrels for secondary fermentation and ageing. The wine was aged in mostly two year old and neutral barrels, although the Syrah portion was aged for about a year in new and one year old barrels. The lots were blended together and bottled in March.

This is a lush, full-bodied wine with a deep purple color. The aromas are of ripe berries, with a hint of cinnamon followed by flavors of black cherry, plum and chocolate leading into a long smoky finish.

280 cases were produced. The suggested retail is $20.00