Abundant aromas of wild berry and spice. In the mouth the wild berry continues and adds tart cherry, a nutty flavor and a hit of spice and tannin that firm up on the finish. Really stands up to hot and spicy food. Needs a little more time in the bottle. A blend of 76% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 3% Carignane. The grapes are sourced from nine different vineyards throughout Sonoma County. The Three Valleys in the name refer to the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley. The wine is aged in 100% American oak barrels for nine months.
2006 Artesa Tempranillo Reserve (USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley)
Not much nose to speak of. It lacks the typical earthy leathery nose often found in the varietal grown in Spain where it’s the main grape used in Rioja. The flavors consist of hints of cherry,smoke mineral and sharp tannins. This wine could improve some with additional bottle age. Not terribly expensive ($18) but expect to pay more for better examples of new world versions. Tempranillo is not widely planted in the US as it does not tolerateheat very well. This thick skinned, small black grape is most prevalent in Northern Spain and in Portugal where it’s grown in the Duro region as Tinta Roriz and used in the production of Port. The best examples of the US version tend to come from Oregon and Washington AVA’s.
2005 Artesa Cabernet Franc Limited Release Alexander Valley
This wine has a deep garnet color. The nose is mineral and and a floral tone of violet. Cherry, plumb and a hint of strawberry and all in the flavor mix. The tannins are long on the finish in addition to the vanilla undertones. Decant for now. The American oak is overpowering if you pop and pour. Good but not great.
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