Colin Howard is literally off to the races (las carreras) with his Spanish varietals-themed winery. This tempranillo offering hits the mark, and is already quite drinkable at just over 2 years of age. The fruit is from Upper Five ineyard, in Rogue Valley, Oregon. Upper Five is a biodynamically certified, 23-year-old high-elevation vineyard sitting at 1920 feet. There is little oak effect with this wine, as Colin fermented on the skins for 25 days and used neutral barrels for 15 months.
The wine opens earthy, with forest floor, notes of sage and herbs, and finishes savory, with dusty red and purple fruit. Colin uses restraint, and it shows in the soft medium finish, with tannins already integrated, and so soon after release.
I love the moderate alcohol of this wine, at only 12.9%, perfect for food pairing. Tonight we’re having mole chicken enchiladas, sliced avocado, and an arugula vinaigrette salad.
Read Colin’s Wine Characters interview here, and learn why he chose this wine as the flagship of his brand.