A single vineyard, Spanish varietal blend, from California

El Jaléo strikes you as a wine that has learned how to dance; it’s up on its toes! It’s clicking its heels! It’s 31% Mourvedre, 29% Grenache, 26% Graciano and 14% Tempranillo, and it’s not fooling around!

Color is a deep crimson-red. Thrilling, peppery high-toned aromas: fresh, gorgeous red and blue fruit, and spice, very mild back note of menthol, intriguing depth. On the palate, there are, on entry, simultaneous impressions of both tenderness and firm structure, a kind of subtle, riveting pas de deux. Great tension and focus in flavor and texture: voluptuous tannins, very good length. Seems likely to develop beautifully for many years.

Varietals: Tempranillo, Monastrell/Mourvedre, Garnacha/Grenache, and Graciano

Region: Amador County: California