Yalumba and Hill Smith have found a natural home for the torrid Tempranillo grape amongst their splendid vineyards at Wrattonbully. Tempranillo is highly influenced by viticultural factors such as climate, soil and clone, as well as ripeness at time of harvest and characteristic style of the winemaker. The iron rich soils of Wrattonbully encourage development of the distinctive Tempranillo varietal characters, raspberry, pomegranate and red currant. An exciting wine, bright in colour, rich in fruit flavour and gently oaked, lined by a contour of pliant, juicy tannins.
Running With the Bulls vineyard lies at the very heart of Wrattonbully. There are two Tempranillo blocks, one is east/west facing along a rise of red soil over limestone, the other faces north/south, following down a slope with red soil on limestone at the top, giving way to more alluvial soil at the base. Vines are grown to vertically shoot positioned trellis allowing good distribution of the leaves and exposure of bunches to sunlight. Fruit is crushed to small fermenters, grapes are left on skins for several days then pressed to a selection of American and European oak barrels for completion of malolactic and eleven months maturation. Minimal intervention is the aim, allowing the Tempranillo to speak for itself. Alcohol 13.5%
TASTING NOTESVibrant crimson colour. Intense nose of black fruits and spiced plum, smokiness and truffle. The savoury palate opens with briar and berry fruit flavours, spiced plums meld with savoury dried Mediterranean herb notes, finishing on a length of cocoa oak and fine grainy tannins. Drinking well right now alongside tapas or chorizo recipes, vegans and vegetarian.