2011 Gramercy Cellars Tempranillo Inigo Montoya
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Tasting notes
(13.5% alcohol): Good medium-dark red. Wild, musky nose delivers sexy spices and a hint of black olive: very Old World. Deep and sweet on the palate, with plum and cherry fruit flavors complicated by a saline quality and repeating olive and spice notes. This complex if youthfully understated wine was aged in 70% American and 30% French oak, with a small percentage of the American barrels being new. Owner/winemaker Greg Harrington added 6% Syrah and 4% Grenache to the blend in 2011, noting that the Grenache in particular “added fruitiness in a cool year.”
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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The 2011 Tempranillo Inigo Montoya is one of the top examples of this variety coming out of Washington today. Exhibiting gorgeous pepper, cedar, spice-box, dried licorice and smoked black fruits, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, fabulous mid-palate depth, and a supple, layered and richly textured mouth feel that keeps you coming back to the glass. Already drinking gorgeously, it should have no problem evolving for 10 to 12 years or more. Master Sommelier turned winemaker, Greg Harrington is fashioning some of the top wines in Washington from his base in Walla Walla. His 2011s showed beautifully from barrel last year, and didn’t disappoint this year from bottle. His 2012s will be even better. Tel. (509) 876-2427; www.gramercycellars.com