Introducing the ONLY domestic Tempranillo on the wine list of the French Laundry. That’s impressive because it is so cheap for their very pricey wine list. They mark it up to $110 because when they’re going down on you as you drink it, it’s still a great deal, especially if you can get Chris Hoel as your sommelier. This is the finest Tempranillo ever produced in California and if you want a wine that REALLY pairs with food, this is it. Being a new release at seven and a half years of age, this shows no apparent oxidation or deterioration. It’s fresh, red, spicy, and built to last. The barrel and bottle age have merely resolved the wine to where it’s incredibly enjoyable, satisfying, and gives instant gratification to those of us who have a hard time cellaring. It is by no means on the way down, it has a long life ahead of it and promises to deliver for many years. Flavors of spice dried strawberries, pomegranate, cherry, light herbs, and nuances of oak and earth are seamlessly knit together with a few years of age that they don’t charge you for. We taste A LOT of California wines and this is one of the most unique, classy, complex, and true to varietal character wines we’ve ever seen.