Washington Garnacha v. Aragon

The Vuelta Espana featured a final week of racing in Northern Spain that included a number of mountain passes and hill top finishes.  Chris Horner put together several good races and took over the race lead, putting himself in position to be the oldest grand tour winner ever.

This week we pay homage to old guys with an old vine Garnacha from Northern Spain taking on a Washington State Tempranillo.

2007 Tildio Tempranillo v. 2010 Tres Picos Borsao Garnacha


Tale of the Tape




2007 Tildio Tempranillo

100% Tempranillo aged in American and French Oak (50% new).

Purchased at the Vashon Island Thriftway for $21.99.











2010 Tres Picos Borsao Garnacha 

100% Garnacha

Aged for 5 months in new French Oak Barrels.

Purchased for $12.99 at Wine World











Round 1.  First opening

Tildio is bringing a full on assault with a nose of dark cherry, cracked pepper, funky underbrush and brambles.  The palate shows dark cherry and spicy cracked pepper with a semi-dry spicy finish with some dusty cedar spices.

Tres Picos is dark and brooding with a nose of dark funky sandalwood.  The palate is menacing with dark fruit and tart smoky sandalwood that finishes off with notes of tart white pepper.

Tres Picos is stepping up and playing the part of a playground bully.  Throwing its weight around and taking round 1.

Round 2.  One hour after opening

Tildio is flashing some power with a nose of white pepper, dusty cherry, cocoa and licorice with a slightly floral overtone.  The palate has evolved too with dark fruit and spicy cracked pepper that leads to a slightly dry cracked pepper, coffee bean and dusty cocoa powder finish.

Tres Picos is bringing the power of three Luchadors.  The nose shows dark plum, sandalwood, smoke and candle wax.  The palate also shows dark fruit and dry smoky funky cedar with a dry lightly peppery finish. 


Tildio bounces back with some stunning kung-fu style and takes round 2.

 

Round 3.  One day after opening

Tildio is bulking up and bringing the pain.  The nose is showing dark cherry, clove spices and dry cocoa powder.  The palate is juicy with black cherries, dry Asian spices and spicy cracked pepper that leads to a dry tannin spiced finish that includes notes of cocoa and light coffee bean.

Tres Picos is sticking with the power attack.  The nose is showing dark cherry, cream soda and smoke.  The palate is also showing dark fruit along with smoky bacon fat rolling into a dry white pepper finish. 

Tildio's versatile attack trumps the Tres Picos power giving the final round to Tildio and another victory to Washington State.

Wrap up and overall observations.

The last two matchups have featured Washington Garnacha battling with Spain.  The contrast in style has been interesting (and consistent).  The Washington wines have been medium to full bodied and spicy while the Spanish Garnacha's were both dark, bold and smoky.

I would recommend both of the Luchadors in this week's matchup.  The Tildio would be better with food while the Tres Picos seems to want to stand on its own.