Wine Region: Calatayud

(2024) Watch out for the 15.5% alcohol in this heady Grenache from the north of Spain. Vineyards at between 600 and 1000 metres altitude, vines for this wine planted in the 1940s as dry-farmed bush vines. There's a confiture plum, sweet richness to the aroma, maybe even a hint of something like pomegranate in quite a perfumed style. In the mouth that high alcohol sits relatively easily, with enough charm to the red fruit character, spices and hints of garrigue herbs. There's a hint of mulled fruit here perhaps, but the ripeness is juice and the acid balance is good too, which helps freshen and add elegance to the dusty tannins. Watch the video for tasting notes and more information.

(2022) From Calatayud and vineyards at between 600 and 1000 metres altitude, this is Grenache from vines planted in the 1940s. There's a smokiness and dried rosemary and thyme character to this on the nose, very firm blue/black fruits and polished wood notes. In the mouth the expansive mouthfeel fills with blueberry and damson plum,  edged with a liquorice and endive bittersweetness. That slightly herbal charcter adds another edge, as does the concentration, heft of 15.5% alcohol and powerful tannins and acidity.

(2001) Jammy nose with a little ozone/salty quality. Big fruity palate that is juicy and sweet, with drying tannins.