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Red Lily Vineyards 2013 Life of Riley 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 Rose, 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
2013 Life of Riley 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 Life of Riley starts with inviting aromas of dark fruit, ripe currant and the quintessential Tempranillo spiciness. This beautiful wine has layers of dense blackberry, mocha, and flavors of cherry chocolate that are strong and powerful. But behind the power is a layer of smooth tannins that end in an elegant finish.
A Cellar 503 selection in January 2017, Northern vs. Southern Oregon Applegate Valley | Tempranillo
