2013 Charles Smith Wines K Vintners Tempranillo El Jefe Stoneridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(40% new French oak): Medium red. Slight medicinal nuance to the aromas of plum, redcurrant and cherry, along with hints of truffle and licorice. Nicely stuffed, broad wine with sweet mid-palate flavors of red fruits and smoked meat. This youthful wine needs time for its building tannins to harmonize but its firm finish suggests that it will evolve gracefully.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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The 100% varietal 2013 El Jefe Tempranillo Stoneridge Vineyard (23 months in 40% new oak) is another terrific example of this variety in Washington, and while there’s not many Tempranillo based releases out there, the ones that are, are seriously good. This 2013 gives up lots of darker fruits (black currants maybe), lots of spicy oak, toasted spice and licorice to go with a full-bodied, elegant, sexy profile on the palate. It continues to open up with time in the glass, and the tannin, while present, are incredibly polished and perfectly ripe. Feel free to drink bottles anytime over the coming decade.