2016 Hillcrest Vineyard Old Stones Teroldego
Hillcrest Vineyard,
Umpqua Valley,
Southern Oregon,
Oregon
13.7% alcohol
Cork closure
Owner/winemaker Dyson DeMara first planted rare Northern Italian red grape Teroldego, pronounced te-rol-de-go, on his estate vineyard in 2001. Prized for its intense, rich color and that winning combo of higher acidity and lower alcohol levels, it’s no wonder that Dyson was drawn to the grape. After his experimental planting did well and he liked the fruit, Dyson added more and now has 3 acres of the varietal planted in rocky soil near the Umpqua River.
Using Old World winemaking tools and techniques, including large, custom-made concrete fermenters and extended barrel and bottle aging, the night I drank this wine, it still tasted fresh and bright– quite youthful considering the vintage! I believe that Dyson and Hillcrest have only just scratched the surface of what Teroldego can be in Oregon. Buy several bottles to drink over the next decade (or more) and see how the wine evolves as it continues to age.
Color:
Black cherry red
Bouquet:
Red plums // mouthwatering acidity // almonds
Palate:
Blackberries // grippy tannins // cassis // nice acidity // black plums // textured mouthfeel // concentrated // long finish
Food pairing suggestions:
Roasted cauliflower pasta with toasted walnuts, garlic, and parsley // Matambre arrollado (Argentinan stuffed flank steak) // warm lentils with wilted chard and beets
Scoop up this wine deal by ordering here:
SRP $36
Be sure to tell us how you like it in the comments!
Read more about Hillcrest wines and Paul O’Brien Winery, his partnership with Scott Kelley:
2013 Hillcrest Vineyard Old Stones Malbec
2020 Paul O’Brien Winery Fume blanc