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Red Lily Vineyards 2011 Red Blanket Tempranillo
A touch of Spain in southern Oregon
For Rachael Martin, winemaker and co-owner of Red Lily Vineyards, winemaking is truly a family affair. Rachael’s husband Les worked in the hospitality industry for years and on their frequent travels to Europe they fell in love with the Spanish Tempranillo varietal.
When they found the future home of Red Lily just outside of Jacksonville, Oregon, they knew what would come next. In 2004 they planted their first Tempranillo grapes and shortly thereafter Rachael, Les, and their two kids moved to the small town.
Red Lily Vineyards – named after the rare red flower found in the neighboring Siskiyou Mountains – opened in 2011 and focuses on the Tempranillo grape which grows beautifully in Southern Oregon. Their wines reflect their passion for Tempranillo as well as their passion for family. They’ve named wines after their children including Life of Riley, a Tempranillo blend named for their son Riley; and Lily Girl, a Tempranillo Rosé, named for their daughter Lily.
On the bank of Applegate Creek, visitors can taste in the tasting room or wandering along the creek. In summertime, Red Lily features a weekly outdoor concert series.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Red Lily Vineyards, Jacksonville, Oregon
2011 Red Blanket Tempranillo
Tempranillo made its first appearance in Oregon in the Umpqua Valley, and remains a southern Oregon standout – not typically found further north. Take a look at a map, and you’ll notice that the latitude for southern Oregon is almost exactly the same as that of Spain’s Rioja region. Tempranillo thrives in climates with hot days and cool nights; exactly what you’ll find in southern Oregon.
Red Lily’s lineup of strong and spicy Tempranillo wines made it a challenge to decide which one to feature! The Red Blanket Blend is made with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives this opulent red an exotic spice aroma with underlying dark berry and hints of coffee. A distinct fruit-forward flavor of plum is layered with hints of spice. Notes of candied cherry, raspberry and cocoa round out the finish. Full bodied, yet absolutely approachable.
A Cellar 503 selection in May 2015, Women Winemakers Rogue Valley | Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo
