The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Abacela 2021 Fiesta Tempranillo

The Jones family who founded Abacela, a central Oregon winery that is coming up on its 30th anniversary next year, did years of careful research on climate and soil conditions all over the country with a specific goal in mind. They were determined to grow Tempranillo – the renowned Spanish grape – somewhere where it could best thrive. They found the land they sought outside of Roseburg and began planting Tempranillo and a number of other Mediterranean varieties. They’ve succeeded beyond all expectations, and make up to five different versions of their signature grape, including this most affordable young version named Fiesta. The new vintage brings fragrant berry and mocha scents that carry on into the palate, making this instantly delicious. The tannins are lightly grainy, bringing accents of coffee grounds, black tea and tobacco as it winds down through the finish.

2807 cases; 13.8%; $27 (Umpqua Valley) 91/100

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