Pago de los Balagueses Garnacha Tintorera Merlot

This comes from the highest quality vineyards on the estate, which received the ‘Pago’ qualification in 2011, the highest ranking of a vineyard in Spain, and it is where the Iberians were cultivating vines nearly 3000 years ago. A wine of huge intensity, deep colour and overall charm.  A fine result from the unusual combination of 70% Garnacha Tintorera and 30% Merlot. Intriguing, complex bouquet offering a mass of dark autumnal, brambley fruit with hints of earth, leaf mulch and woodsmoke. Subtle floral scents add lift to the medley as well as a telling balsamic twist. Multi-layered with powerful, ripe tannins. Bags of character, bags of flavour – a real show stopper!

Vines of at least 30 years of age in this single vineyard three hectare ‘Pago’ at 780m altitude. Matured for 10 months in small French oak barrels (70% new). Stirring of the lees in the barrel adds to the palate richness.

• 92 Points, Jamie Goode, ‘Organically farmed single vineyard that has been cultivated for a long time: wine was made here more than a thousand years ago. Made from the teinturier Alicante Bouschet (known here as Garnacha Tintorera), this is ripe, dense and structured, with grippy tannins underlying sleek yet fresh blackberry and black cherry fruit. It’s modern without being over-ripe, showing good definition and structure. There’s some oak in the mix, but overall this is a well made, ageworthy wine of good intensity, and it needs a bit of time to reach a harmonious maturity.’ WineAnorak.com, November 2018 (2016 vintage)
• Gold Medal, Sommelier Wine Awards 2019, ‘Deeply concentrated plum fruit, with a peppery edge, lovely structure and hints of black tea.’ Laurent Richet MS. ‘Rich aromas of coffee, black fruit and herbs, a peppery palate and a long finish‘ Chiara Sieni. ‘Gamey, feral and intense; spiced black fruit with a hint of tea‘ Sonal Clare. ‘It’s a hidden gem, designed for you to show off‘ Timothy Connor. (2016 vintage)
• 94 Points, JamesSuckling.com, ‘Rich dark plum, cocoa powder and dark chocolate, as well as a flinty, dark-stone edge. The palate is plump and fresh, exuding effortless, balanced power. Terrific, flavoursome, fresh red here.’ August 2018 (2015 vintage)
• 92 Points, Wine Spectator Magazine, ‘Showing balance and depth, this red has flavours that are a bit reserved but deep, with black cherry, black olive, cocoa and mineral notes. Firm tannins and fresh acidity are well-integrated, yielding a seamless texture. Harmonious, in a savoury style. Drink now through 2027. 1200 cases made.’ Thomas Matthews, August 2018 (2015 vintage)
• 17/20, JancisRobinson.com, ‘Restrained but intriguing nose – smoke, violets, black cherry, leather. Rich and hearty without busting the block, and there’s a lovely grainy tannin firming up the finish. Ambitious and delicious. Drink 2017-2024.‘ Richard Hemming MW, October 2017 (2014 vintage)