Atalaya Winery Laya 2009

Atalaya Winery
Laya 2009
Almansa DO, Spain
$14-16  +189902  available at BC Liquor Stores & select private liquor retailers
www.orowines.com

I first wrote about the Orowines group earlier this year here, and this is another incredible find on our market from this collective.

Atalaya Winery is based in Almansa DO, directly north of Jumilla and in the hot and sunny southeastern side of Spain. Higher altitude vineyards (800m) provide temperature relief and preserve fresh acidity, while limestone soils share their minerality with this dense red. Laya is a blend of 70% Garnacha Tintorera and 30% Monastrell, with 4 months aging in French oak. Dense and alluring violet, anise, blueberry, blackberry and savoury spice held with sweet plush tannins, meld together with power and grace. Concentrated and pure fruit is expressed with finesse. Espresso-shellacked short ribs would sing in this duet. After tasting this for the first time, I immediately returned to the store to stock up. Another spectacular find for under $15.

88 Points