Bulk Buy! A California Tempranillo that lives up to its Spanish heritage, the Matchbook Tinto Rey Tempranillo from the Dunnigan Hills. Found at Costco.
80% Tempranillo, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Tannat and 3% Graciano from the estate vineyards of Matchbook Wines in Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, Central Valley, California. The wine was aged in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels (22% new) for 29 months.
The Tinto Rey Tempranillo from Matchbook Wines has an SRP of $18. We found it at Costco for just $11.89 which is significantly less than the wine-searcher average of $17. Only 2,757 cases were produced so I’m guessing not many Costco locations have it.
The heritage of the two Tempranillo clones in our Matchbook vineyards are pure Spanish: Ribera del Duero and Tinta de Toro. Those old-world vines grown in the Dunnigan Hills accentuate the best of both worlds. The aromas are an enticing mix of blueberry and saddle leather. Flavors of plum and black cherry mingle with pepper, tobacco and smoky paprika. The tannins are sturdy and balanced by the varietal’s characteristically smooth finish. Pair this with a smoky paella, grilled lamb chops or an aged manchego cheese.
13.9% Alcohol
The 2015 Matchbook Tinto Rey Tempranillo opens with a wonderful aroma of blackberry, leather, spice and a healthy dose of vanilla. The wine tastes smooth, savory and delicious and is full of dark fruit along with more well integrated spice, vanilla and lots of other oak influence. Well-balanced, it even has a little bit of smokiness to it.
It ends dry, long and luscious. I really enjoyed this California Tempranillo which is done quite well especially with the 29 months in oak and rather similar to what you find in Ribera del Duero or Toro where the vines are from.
Ready to buy? Check for local retailers selling this wine here or visit your local Costco.
You may also want to check out more of our favorite Tempranillo here.
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