Top 10 Barbecue Wines 2010

RED

Seven Hills
2006 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley

The Spanish varietal Tempranillo is relatively new in Washington's wine grape growing regions. The grapes in this wine are sourced from two distinct sites: one on a south-facing gravelly slope near Mattawa and the other a terrace of silt loam in the Walla Walla Valley. Both are among the oldest plantings in the Northwest. The fruit was hand-picked under ideal weather conditions. The resulting Tempranillo exhibits a medium-bodied, ripe, accessible style. It shows cherry fruit, with exotic hints of rhubarb, smoke, savory herb and rose petal notes. Vanillin and subtle spice add complexity on the palate of sweet, bright fruit with a clean finish and mild, dry tannins.

Rating: 13.5/20
Price: $20