THE WINES - Tempranillo

Tempranillo
Grown on the Mangels' Ranch - mid valley
grafted over from a Cabernet Sauvignon planting - Vertical system

Winemaker Steve Tenbrink with Abe Schoener as consultant

A 3/4 ton experiment – definitely Latin, smoky & smooth yet picante.
Fermented in a 120 gallon puncheon.
The large sized grapes had to be saigneed heavily to increase concentration.
Experienced a very rapid fermentation and to cool it down did a barrel.
Transfer into several smaller barrels until finished.
Continued pumpovers 3 weeks after fermentation finished.
45 day maceration – yet low tannic.
Most of the gallons went to create the blend for the tribute wine.
FFINEST created to honor the memory of Matt Garcia.
The remaining 30 gallons were aged in a 30gal mini barrel with heavy toast.
Bottled in sexy 500ml glass that reflects the mood of the wine.
A 15 case project.

Winemaker Steve Tenbrink with Abe Schoener as consultant

Increased incoming grapes to 7 tons because we were so pleased with the 2008 vintage.
120 gallons are already reserved to be used for Sacramental wine by Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church.
Leaving us with 80 cases for our TENBRINK customers.