“ES LO QUE HAY - it is what it is. A common Spanish expression, but one I like to reserve for the few old high altitude Garnacha vineyards that survive in Aragon . What you taste in the bottle is a true expression of what there is in the vineyard. It´s as simple as that.”
High altitude ancient vineyards (75-100 years) at 1,000 to 1,100 meters above sea level with Pizarra slate and quartzite soils. Completely dry grown and unirrigated, this is an inhospitable continental climate with extreme changes of temperature where mountain herbs, almonds, cherry trees and Garnacha form a breathtaking patchwork. Low annual rainfall of 200-300mm and the remarkable soils produce fine and elegant Garnacha which is punctuated by intense black fruit flavors with complex mineral, smoke and garrigue notes.
"The red 2019 Es Lo Que Hay is mostly old-vine Garnacha with 5% other grapes, mostly Moristel with a little Miguel de Arco and some Provechón (Bobal), from very stony old vineyards in the village of Villarroya de la Sierra. The grapes fermented together with 20% full clusters in concrete and were destemmed after a five-day cold soak with the natural yeasts; then the wine matured mostly in concrete with some leftovers in Flextank egg for 15 months. It's ripe without excess (14.26% real alcohol), balanced by low pH and good acidity and has a powerful Mediterranean profile, round and full-bodied, with hints of dry hay and straw and a touch of dark chocolate. The 2019s are evolving nicely and should have a positive development in bottle, and this is a good example. 8,270 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2020. - Luis Gutiérrez"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (November 2021), 93 pts
"The 2019 Garnacha Vinas Viejas is just about all Grenache (there are small amounts of Moristel, Miguel de Arco, and Bobal) from ancient vines that saw a touch of stems and aging in concrete tanks. This plump, medium to full-bodied, round, downright sexy beauty gives up lots of ripe red and black fruits as well as peppery spice, herbes de Provence, and sandalwood. It's balanced, has supple, incredibly polished tannins, no hard edges, and is just a beautiful Garnacha that has so much to love. It will keep for 5-7 years, if not longer."
- Jeb Dunnuck (August 2022), 93 pts
"The red 2018 Es Lo Que Hay, comes from a vintage Norrel Robertson describes as "one of the standout years in our 17 years producing Garnacha." This is mostly Garnacha, with just 5% other grapes, as it comes exclusively from two old vineyards in the village of Villarroya de la Sierra, and such vineyards always have a small proportion of other grapes, mostly Moristel with a little Miguel de Arco and some Provechón (Bobal). All the varieties fermented together destemmed after a five-day cold soak with the natural yeasts and then matured in Flextank egg for 15 months. This is softer, with more clay and limestone influence rather than the slate soils from the vineyards used in the past for the cuvée. This has more depth and complexity, perhaps from the other grape varieties that complement the Garnacha, and probably has a little more acidity and tannin. It has tension, minerality and good acidity, probably from the Moristel, which tends to ripen a little later than the Garnacha. Tasty. Again, not a shy wine at 15% alcohol but nicely balanced. 3,966 bottles were filled in March 2020.- Luis Gutiérrez"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #248, April 2020), 93 pts
"The 2016 Es Lo Que Hay is now sold without appellation of origin and contains some 5% each Syrah and Moristel from different vineyards, grown on slate soils. It fermented and matured in concrete for 18 months and was bottled completely unoaked. It's subtle, fresh and elegant, with a juicy palate, vibrant and with good complexity. It was slightly warmer and more tannic than the 2013 I tasted last time. It has the straight character of the slate soils, with hints of Mediterranean herbs. 5,000 bottles were filled in October 2018. - Luis Gutiérrez"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #240, December 2018), 92 pts
"Garnacha from Spain has become a popular cheap red in recent years. Its spicy, fruity expression contrasts with the earthier character the wine has in France, where the grape is known as grenache. The Es Lo Que Hay has that racy Spanish character, with some nice depth and structure to add interest. - Dave McIntyre"
- The Washington Post (May 2016), Excellent - 2 stars
"The 2013 Es Lo Que Hay wears the subtitle Garnacha Viñas Viejas from old plots on slate soils in the zone of Alarba-Acered in Calatayud, with some Syrah thrown into the fermentation tanks. It fermented in open concrete tanks and aged in underground concrete vats with lees. The nose mixes black fruit with notes of licorice and Mediterranean herbs. This is juicy, with good density, fine tannins and very good freshness provided by the slate soils and the conditions of the year. It has a very tasty finish. This has a lot more freshness than a couple of vintages ago. - Luis Gutiérrez"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #231, June 2017), 92 pts
Founded in 2003, El Escocés Volante – “The Flying Scot” – is based in Aragón, Spain. The operation is dedicated to the production of high-quality wines, with a particular focus ...
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