Willow Bridge Estate Solana Tempranillo 2024

Accolades

Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate
92 Points

The 2024 Solana Tempranillo leads with cherry and strawberry, red earth and tapenade. The tannins are predictably structural and gravelly in the mouth, and the
finish is both saline and textural. This is a very good Tempranillo, made with respect for the variety’s typicity and for the soils and broader terroir of
Geographe.

Royal QLD Wine Show – Silver Medal

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Dense crimson with deep, youthful colour.
• Aromatics: Blueberry and raspberry sit at the forefront, supported by darker berry fruit and gentle pepper.
• Palate: Generous and vibrant, with ripe berry fruit flowing across a structured but approachable palate.
• Savoury character: Pepper, earthy undertones and restrained French oak provide complexity alongside the fruit.
• Tannins: Mouthwatering and persistent, giving the wine shape while making it particularly well suited to food.
• Oak: Carefully integrated, contributing structure and subtle spice without overpowering the varietal fruit.
• Finish: Long and savoury, with lingering dark berries, raspberry, pepper and fine tannins.

Wine Details

• Vintage: 2024
• Variety: 100% Tempranillo
• Region: Geographe, Western Australia
• Subregion: Ferguson Valley
• Vineyard: Willow Bridge Estate hillside vineyard
• Block: Cameron Block
• Year planted: 2009
• Elevation: Approximately 220 to 250 metres above sea level
• Aspect: Slightly westerly
• Soil: Ironstone gravelly loam over red and yellow friable clay
• Fermentation: Eight days in static fermenters
• Peak fermentation temperature: 28°C
• Oak maturation: 100% barrel matured
• New oak: 35%
• Oak type: French oak puncheons and hogsheads
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• pH: 3.64
• Total acidity: 5.3 g/L
• Cellaring: Up to 20 years
• Serving temperature: Approximately 16 to 18°C

Winemaking

• Estate Grown – Fruit sourced from the Cameron block in the spectacular hillside vineyard of the Ferguson Valley, planted in 2009.
• Handcrafted – The wine is fermented in open-top fermenters, with hand plunging twice daily, ensuring optimal extraction of flavours and tannins.
• Spice & Minerality – The winemaking process encourages deep structures, with a focus on spice and minerality to add complexity.

Serving Temperature

• Ideal – 16-18°C
• Why – This slightly cooler temperature allows the vibrant fruit and savoury tannins to shine, highlighting the wine’s complexity.
• How – If being stored at room temperature (22c) place in the fridge for about 45 minutes prior to serving.
• Result – At this temperature, the wine’s full range of flavours – fruit, spice, and tannin – will be perfectly balanced, making each sip enjoyable.

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled Meats – A perfect match for grilled lamb or steak, as the wine’s vibrant fruit and savoury tannins complement the richness of the meat.
• Rich Stews – Ideal with hearty stews, where the depth of flavour in the Tempranillo adds complexity to the dish.
• Cheese – Pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, such as Manchego or aged cheddar, which enhance the wine’s savoury characteristics.
• Spicy Dishes – The wine’s subtle spice works well with dishes that feature mild heat, such as a peppered pork roast or chorizo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tempranillo?

Tempranillo is a red grape variety originating in Spain. It is particularly important in regions such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

The variety commonly produces wines with red and dark berry fruit, savoury spice, firm tannins and an ability to develop complex earthy and leathery flavours with age.

What does the name Tempranillo mean?

The name comes from the Spanish word “temprano”, meaning early.

It refers to the variety’s tendency to ripen earlier than several other traditional Spanish red grapes.

What does Ferguson Valley Tempranillo taste like?

This expression combines aromatic blueberry and raspberry with darker berry fruit and gentle pepper.

It has the fruit generosity expected from a warm growing season, balanced by savoury complexity and mouthwatering tannins.

What does 100% barrel matured mean?

It means all of the finished wine spent its maturation period in oak barrels rather than stainless steel tanks or other vessels.

Barrel maturation allows small amounts of oxygen to interact with the wine, helping soften its tannins and integrate its flavours.

What does 35% new oak mean?

Thirty-five per cent of the wine was matured in newly made French oak barrels, while the remaining 65% went into barrels that had previously held wine.

New oak contributes more flavour and tannin. Older barrels provide gentle oxygen exposure while adding considerably less obvious oak character.

This balance gives Solana additional structure and spice without covering its blueberry and raspberry fruit.

What are mouthwatering tannins?

Tannins create the drying or gently grippy sensation experienced after drinking red wine.

“Mouthwatering tannins” describes tannins that provide structure but are balanced by enough freshness and fruit to make you want another sip. They also help the wine pair successfully with rich foods.

What do the pH and acidity figures mean?

A pH of 3.64 and total acidity of 5.3 g/L indicate a generously flavoured red with sufficient freshness to balance its ripe fruit, alcohol and tannins.

For the drinker, this means the wine should feel full and flavoursome without becoming flat or overly heavy.

Can I drink the 2024 Solana Tempranillo now?

Yes. It can be enjoyed now, particularly with approximately 45 to 60 minutes in a decanter.

Decanting will help release its blueberry, raspberry and pepper aromas while allowing the youthful tannins to soften.

How long can I cellar it?

Willow Bridge recommends cellaring for up to 20 years.

When stored somewhere cool, dark and temperature stable, the 2024 vintage should develop through approximately 2044.

Is Tempranillo good with food?

Yes. Tempranillo’s combination of generous fruit, savoury flavour, tannin and acidity makes it exceptionally versatile.

It is particularly successful with lamb, beef, chorizo, pork, mushrooms and firm cheeses.