Abacela, Umpqua Valley (Oregon) Tempranillo 2009

($21):  Tempranillo, Spain’s leading premium red grape, is a recent addition to Oregon vineyards.  Judging from this example, growers will be planting more.  Juicy and fruity, Abacela’s has a pleasant tang that gives it structure and prevents it from coming across as jammy.  The tannins are appropriately present–it is after all Tempranillo–which means it better suited for rich meats rather than as a stand alone aperitif type red wine. 89 Michael Apstein Oct 2, 2012