Now that’s Barbera d’Alba Superiore in excelsior! Liquid black plums and some tar on the nose. Inhale deeply and you get some Asian spices on the fringes.
That palate…oh my. Liquid velvet. Dark as midnight. Plums, licorice, nice acidity,
deep, long, long, finish. Some minerals on the end.
Wowza!
Possibly better than her Barolo. Gulp.
Thanks@FassSelections — 2 years ago
The 2018 Léoville-Poyferré performs similarly to the bottle tasted a few weeks earlier in the UK for my in-bottle round-up, although here I sense more opulence on the nose, perhaps more florality. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins, broad and sensual, plummy with that beguiling symmetry on the finish. It needs several years in bottle but it will be well worth the wait. Tasted at the Léoville-Poyferré vertical at the château with Sara Lecompte Cuvelier. (Neal Martin, Vinous, September 2022)
— 3 years ago
Funky! Vegetal, cassis?, perhaps some licorice. Red fruit and vegetal - fun! — 10 months ago
Balanced sweetness, hit the spot — a year ago
A relatively obscure grape in America, Marco Sara being one of the better offerings that I have tasted since my first experience tasting this grape at the Ristorante al Gobbo di Rialto in Venice years ago.
VM: 90. Masses of violet and lavender florals give way to crushed wild berries and peppery herbs as the 2022 Schioppettino blossoms in the glass. This is sleek and racy with cooling acidity, crisp red berry fruits and savory spices. Zesty acidity maintains fabulous energy throughout. It finishes staining and long yet only lightly tannic, leaving the mouth watering for more. — 7 months ago
2020 vintage. Last tasted 8.15.23 (9.4). Tasted today with the winemaker, Sara. Consistent noticías. A beautiful effort/hybridization in successfully bridging and incorporating both the old school Napa and the new school Napa. Class is in session. 13.7% ABV. 100% Cabbage. A whopping 175 cases made. HBD, Maria! 4.12.24. — 2 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
San Gregorio – Las 75 Vendimias – Red 2021
Calatayud DO – Aragón, Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A tribute wine honoring Emilio González’s 75 harvests, sourced from old, high-altitude vineyards in Calatayud. This Garnacha-driven blend (70% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo) captures the rugged character of the region, elevation, stony soils, and traditional viticulture, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and grounded, with warmth, balance, and authenticity.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe black cherry, wild strawberry, and plum lead, followed by dried Mediterranean herbs, licorice, and gentle baking spice. Subtle earthy and mineral notes emerge with air, reflecting the old-vine origin and high-altitude terroir.
Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with rounded, supple tannins. Garnacha brings generosity and warmth, while Tempranillo adds structure and grip. Fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced through a smooth, savory finish.
Food Pairings
Grilled lamb, herb-roasted chicken, mushroom dishes, lentil stews, aged Manchego, or rustic Spanish fare with olive oil, roasted peppers, and slow-cooked meats.
Verdict
A soulful, well-priced Spanish red that delivers true sense of place. Honest, expressive, and comforting, this is old-vine Garnacha done right, approachable now, yet structured enough to hold its own at the table.
Did You Know?
Calatayud is one of Spain’s highest-altitude DOs, with many vineyards planted between 700–1,000 meters, helping Garnacha retain freshness and balance even in warm vintages.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is real Spain in a glass, old vines, elevation, history, and soul. A wine I happily recommend when authenticity matters more than flash. — a day ago