2013 'Invader' Tempranillo
94% Tempranillo ・ 6% Grenache
Horse Heaven Hills
Tasting Notes
Aromas of vibrant red berries, leather, vanilla & smoke lead the way. Given some oxygen, the aromatics are enhanced with hints of black cherry, red currants, heavy toast, dried rose petals & herbs. Flavors of strawberry rhubarb, black cherry & smoked meats dominate while a fully-textured mid-palate leads to a long-lasting finish with bright red berries, spicy tannins, and gravel.
Ratings + Awards
Silver Medal :: 2016 SavorNW Wine Awards
Bronze Medal :: 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition
Bronze Medal :: 2016 Seattle Wine Awards
'Excellent' :: Great Northwest Wine
'Excellent' :: Tasting Room Magazine
Production
Method
This spicy, handmade Tempranillo began with whole-berry fermentation in small bins, followed by secondary fermentation in oak barrels. Afterward, the wine was blended early with Grenache to increase stability while enhancing mouth-feel and complexity. After desired barrel aging, the Invader was bottled without fining or filtration to preserve flavor and aromatic integrity.