Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Very clear and aromatic with blackberry, strawberry and violet character, following through to the mid-palate with firm yet fine tannins and a vivid finish. This is really well done. Drink or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2020 Nekeas El Chaparral Old Vines Garnacha is a stand-up, well-structured wine with excellent brightness. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of explosive raspberries that linger long on the palate. Serve it with roast game birds. (Tasted: August 27, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Just north of Spain’s famous Rioja region, Navarra excels in the production of full and fruit-dominant reds and good quality, dry rosés. Garnacha holds most of the land under vine, with Tempranillo coming in second place.