As expected, the 2010 Tempranillo Inigo Montoya (10% Syrah) has a classic, firm feel with loads of spice box, old wood, cedar and baking spices grounded by a rich core of primarily darker styled fruit. Showing a floral edge with air, this medium-bodied, tannic and lengthy Tempranillo needs 3-4 years of cellaring and will drink nicely for over a decade. Drink now-2020.
These top-notch efforts are made by Greg Harrington, with help from assistant winemaker Brandon Moss, and always show the fresher, more edgy and lean side to the region. Normally fermented with varying degrees of whole cluster and aged in neutral oak, they have Old World, classical profiles and will benefit from short-term cellaring. While I’ve been drinking the Rhone blends from this estate for years, this was the first time I’ve been able to taste Greg’s Bordeaux releases. The house style certainly persists and the wines all show firm, concentrated and age-worthy profiles. From a much warmer vintage, Harrington’s 2009s are more voluptuous and textured than the 2010s, yet still play in the same classically styled ball park of the estate. While more approachable today, I think they will have a similar, if not broader, drink window than the 2010s. Time will tell but at the moment, I generally like the 2009s more due to their fruit, yet I still think the tannin quality in the 2010s is better.
Tel. (509) 876-2427; www.gramercycellars.com