Wine Details
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.58
TA: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.4 g/L (Dry)
Production: 375 cases
Bottle Price: $40
2023 Teddy Bear Tempranillo
Earthy, Food-Friendly, and Balanced
Winemaking
Harvest Date: October 18, 2023
Barrel Aging: 15 months
Oak: 35% new American oak, 65% neutral
Toast Level: Light-Medium
Fermentation: Traditional fermentation, 26 days on skins
Bottling Date: January 20, 2025
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Brilliant ruby-garnet with orange-brick rim. Medium body with elegant legs reflecting the wine's balanced, classic structure.
Nose
Elegant aromatics of red cherry, wild strawberry, and cranberry. Notes of dried rose petals, tea leaves, and earthy leather. Subtle hints of vanilla, cedar, dried herbs, and tobacco with mineral undertones and forest floor complexity.
Palate
Medium-bodied with fine-grained, silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavors of red cherry, pomegranate, and red plum are complemented by savory notes of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs. Mid-palate reveals subtle oak spice, tea, and earthy minerality. The cooler vintage produces exceptional freshness and elegance.
Finish
Clean and refreshing with lingering red fruit and earthy notes. Delicate spice, leather, and mineral nuances persist. This vintage exemplifies classic Tempranillo elegance with remarkable balance and food-friendliness. A wine of purity and restraint.
Food Pairing
This versatile Tempranillo pairs beautifully with:
Spanish Classics
Paella, chorizo, Manchego cheese, jamón ibérico, or patatas bravas
Grilled & Roasted
Lamb chops, roasted pork loin, grilled vegetables, or herb-crusted chicken
Comfort Food
Pasta with meat sauce, pizza, burgers with aged cheddar, or mushroom risotto
Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage was characterized by cooler temperatures and well-timed rainfall, creating ideal conditions for elegant Tempranillo. The extended growing season allowed for gradual flavor development while preserving vibrant natural acidity and traditional earthy character. Later harvest captured optimal phenolic maturity with moderate sugar levels. This vintage showcases the variety's Old World elegance adapted to California terroir.
Drinking Window
Peak: 2026-2031
Approachable now but the structure and acidity suggest excellent aging potential through 2034.
Purchase This Wine
Available for purchase directly from Hillside Estate Winery
Visit Winery Website →