2016 Charles Smith Wines K Vintners Tempranillo El Jefe Stoneridge Vineyard

This variety is compatible with the Stoneridge Vineyard, in that it shifts to a floral, elegant and refined stance, yet delivers length and power. The succulent, long and fresh mulberry and boysenberry core really delivers in a delicious mode here. Drink now.

The ruby/plum-colored 2016 Tempranillo El Jefe Stoneridge Vineyard reveals a meaty, savory, smoky style to go with a medium to full-bodied, concentrated style on the palate. Some classic tar and asphalt notes as well as cold fireplace develop with time in the glass and it has present yet silky tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. It’s a terrific expression of this variety that will keep for at least a decade. This is another formidable lineup from Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton, who have recently moved their winemaking facility from Walla Walla to just outside of Seattle. All of the pure Bordeaux variety blends/releases have been moved to the Wine of Substance label (also reviewed in this report), and the K Vintners label is reserved for Rhône variety releases. By and large, these are all not destemmed and brought mostly in neutral puncheons. As I’ve said in the past, these are the real deal and are brilliant wines.