Wine Review: 2012 McCay Lot 13 Tempranillo, Lodi, CA
One of the brightest shining stars of the Lodi wine world has to be Michael McCay and the magical Midas touch he brings to all the wines he makes. This 2012 Tempranillo is no exception, this grape (Tempranillo) never ceases to amaze me with its ability to express the role it has been handed in locations of varying terroir. Tempranillo that is grown in California, Oregon and Washington all taste different from those cultivated in Spain. Even within the Lodi regions they can differ considerably.
McCay’s 2012 Tempranillo Lot 13 is the prettiest most fruit driven Tempranillo wine this taster has ever consumed. When this wine is poured, the darkness of color captivates the eye alluding to the ethereal experience that is about to commence. In the glass, aromas are complex; caramelized fennel mingled with a hint of wet cedar smoke and sweet cherries play well together creating an enticing bouquet.
This fine elixir showcases juicy black currant, liquidious chocolate luxury and a citrus zest component while delivering soft tannins and balanced acidity through the long finish. Michael McCay has managed to harness every drop of goodness the Tempranillo grape has to offer, producing one of the finest wines I have ever tasted. Bold smoky flavors, whether it is traditional southern smoked BBQ, wood fired pizza or Cavatappi with eggplant, tomato, basil and smoked mozzarella—they will all pair well with this wine. Enjoy!
Rating: Excellent (94) | $28 | 14.2% ABV
Good stuff
Hey Marc,
Lot 13 is a pretty cool place in the Lodi Mokelumne sub AVA. This vineyard is surrounded by the Mokelumne River. The Tempranillo was planted in the 1990’s and is hitting it’s stride as a well balanced vineyard. Here are my notes when bottled…
2012 Tempranillo “Lot 13 Vineyard” Arguably the most famous of Spain’s native grapes. This vintages shows a vibrant, aromatic nose with spicy, red fruit aromas and flavors. The grape’s name translates to “little early one,” a moniker that references fruit’s early ripening tendency. Tempranillo thrives in Lodi wonderful Mediterranean climate from the Estate Vineyard Lot 13. Through the palate this vintage exhibits flavors of plum, strawberries and spice with a lingering finish…a wonderful wine to pair with food. Appellation: Lodi Harvest Date: 9/12/2012 Harvest Brix: 24.3 Alcohol: 14.3 Residual Sugar: Dry Bottling Date: 3/22/2104 Production: 179 cases Winemaker: Michael J McCay
Cheers, Michael
Michael,
You are truly a master of your domain, your wines always exhibit a trace of swagger imbued by their maker. Keep on keeping on. Enjoy!
Dear Marc: I like this wine too (my score = 90), but it’s far from one of the best I have ever tasted. I’m a fan of Michael McCay, have talked to him many times at his winery, but this wine still has an intensity that makes it difficult to take over the course of a meal. I just tried, with a grilled steak. I respectfully suggest you are confusing intensity with excellence. Other McCay wines are better.