2017 Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Washington State

The 2017 Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo is a distinctive expression of Tempranillo from Cayuse's En Chamberlin Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. Aromas of smoked black cherry, red currant, roasted blackberry, green tobacco, sandalwood, and exotic spice lead into a layered palate with dark fruit, earth, cedar, and savory complexity. The wine is medium-full bodied, seamless and polished, with fine-grained tannins and excellent balance.

Elegant yet deeply structured, the 2017 vintage shows the character of Cayuse's stony Walla Walla Valley vineyards while offering a distinctly New World interpretation of Tempranillo. Its combination of dark fruit, tobacco, spice, earth, and savory notes makes it an excellent pairing for grilled beef, lamb, braised short ribs, roasted pork, mushrooms, charcuterie, and aged cheeses.