Charles Smith

El jefe Tempranillo Blend

8.820 ratings
9.12 pro ratings
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Tempranillo Blend
Duck, Pasta, Beans & Peas, Goose, Chili & Hot Spicy, Exotic Spices, Game, Baking Spices, Herbs, Mushrooms, Hard Cheese, Turkey, Pork, Salami & Prosciutto, Tomato-Based, Venison, Pungent Cheese, Soft Cheese, Onion, Chicken, Veal, Paella
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

On the nose, rustic style mixed red fruits & blueberries, loamy soils, tea, a core of dark currants, licorice and fresh dark florals. The palate reveals a little more oak use. M body with M-M+ tannins. Fruits are a blend of blue fruits, dry cranberry & rhubarb, dry crushed rocks, wood shavings, steeped tea, touch of saline, violets, roses and a long, lean, beautiful, elegant finish that holds.

On the nose, rustic style mixed red fruits & blueberries, loamy soils, tea, a core of dark currants, licorice and fresh dark florals. The palate reveals a little more oak use. M body with M-M+ tannins. Fruits are a blend of blue fruits, dry cranberry & rhubarb, dry crushed rocks, wood shavings, steeped tea, touch of saline, violets, roses and a long, lean, beautiful, elegant finish that holds.

Aug 15th, 2017
Mark Freund

Perhaps the most un-Tempranillo like Tempranillo I've ever had. Having said that, I like this. Has some VA but not overpowering. Savory, gamey, medium bodied. Speaks more to the Rocks and winemaker than varietal.

Perhaps the most un-Tempranillo like Tempranillo I've ever had. Having said that, I like this. Has some VA but not overpowering. Savory, gamey, medium bodied. Speaks more to the Rocks and winemaker than varietal.

Feb 7th, 2015
Scot Walker

Dark fruit, leather, vanilla

Dark fruit, leather, vanilla

Oct 30th, 2021
Neal Ferry

Taint exactly right

Taint exactly right

Jul 24th, 2020
Chris Gillespie

Amazing wine!

Amazing wine!

Nov 12th, 2017
Eric W Brown

75% Tempranillo 25% Cab
Lots of black cherry black berries
Drinking really well now

75% Tempranillo 25% Cab
Lots of black cherry black berries
Drinking really well now

Aug 4th, 2017
Aaron Walters

After a little breathing it really opened up. Dark fruit, leather and tobacco notes. I would prefer a little heavier tannin but that's just me.

After a little breathing it really opened up. Dark fruit, leather and tobacco notes. I would prefer a little heavier tannin but that's just me.

Dec 26th, 2016
Paul MacWilliams

$15 Spanish Crianza > $60 domestic 'Tempranillo'. Besides that, enjoyable enough. Better on day 2

$15 Spanish Crianza > $60 domestic 'Tempranillo'. Besides that, enjoyable enough. Better on day 2

Dec 19th, 2015
Adam Hoogeveen

Adam had this 8 months ago

Adam had this 8 months ago

Aug 7th, 2023
Nicole Sing

Nicole had this a year ago

Nicole had this a year ago

Mar 18th, 2023