Since I tried the 2018 Tempranillo, I figured I might as well try the 2019 one too as part of my class from the Texas Wine School (website).
The tasting notes say:
80% Tempranillo, 14% Tannat, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. The grapes for this wine were 100% sourced from our contracted vineyards located throughout West Texas. Dark red/purple in color, this wine possesses a rich bouquet of plum and black cherry, with vanilla and spicy toasted oak elements. Medium bodied with moderate acidity, this wine had rich tannins and a lengthy finish. 13.9% ABV, 3.55 ph, 0.12% RS
The Website Says
Bold and rich, with mocha & plum. (website)
My Notes
I liked this vintage better than the 2018 one – unfortunately, it did not keep overnight. Perhaps that was due to the damage during shipping. This seemed to have more depth of flavor than the 2018 one – perhaps due to the higher percentage of Tempranillo, but I honestly think it was the Petite Verdot that added the depth. I’d bump this one to a Thursday if it had kept overnight.
Final Thoughts
The notes from the winemaker were that this vintage had warmer spring days and it was drier. The bud break was earlier and they ended up having a compressed harvest – despite the fruit ripening later. He felt this wine had more oak tannins than the previous vintage.
Unfortunately a freeze in October impacted the 2020 vintage, so that one will even be more different than the previous two. I did find it interesting that the philosophy behind Llano’s wines was to try and make a wine for everybody. I can honestly say, this one isn’t for everybody – but it’s an excellent Tempranillo if that’s your preferred style.
