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2021 The Matador

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$70.00
 
SKU: 21MATADOR
"If you're going to kick authority
in the teeth, you might as well
use two feet." - Keith Richards
 
Vineyards
Caelesta Vineyard | Templeton Gap District
 
Tasting Notes
Anita and Varinder have long been inspired by the Tempranillo-dominated wines of the Ribera del Duero and Rioja regions of Spain. It's a varietal that not only speaks volumes about its power, but also displays incredible grace. The Matador is muscular with aromas of dark fruit and has notes of warming spices with floral undertones. Appearing brooding at first, this wine is multi layered as it glides over the palate long enough to make you imagine the "bullfight" that inspired the label. 
 
Winemaking
Grapes were carefully berry and cluster sorted, 100% destemmed and fermented in stainless steel. After a cold maceration of 3 days, daily punch-downs, pump-overs and pneumotage were conducted through the first half of fermentation. Minimal capwork thereafter.
 
Winemaker Comments
Anita and I have been longtime fans of Tempranillo produced in Spanish wine regions (Ribera del Duero and
Rioja). When we worked at Booker Vineyards in 2016, we were introduced to and equally inspired by Eric Jensen's Tempranillo from Paso Robles. In 2021, we decided to plant one block of Tempranillo at Copia's Willow Creek Estate and decided to try our hand at producing a Paso Tempranillo. It's the star of The Matador blend at 77% from Caelesta Vineyard in the Templeton Gap District.
 
Ratings
95 pts, Cellar Selection | Wine Enthusiast
94-96 pts - Jeb Dunnuck | "Classic Tempranillo notes of red and black fruits, sandalwood, cedar pencil, and dried flowers define the aromatics ... a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, ripe and building tannins, and outstanding length." 
 
Food Pairing
Ropa Vieja - Chef Kendall Mousley
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
77% Tempranillo, 15% Mourvèdre, 8% Syrah
Appellation
Templeton Gap District
Vineyard Designation
Caelesta Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 3, 2021
pH
3.8
Aging
20 months in 40% new French oak
Bottling Date
165 cases on June 27, 2023
Alcohol %
15.2
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