Javier Sanz 2022 "La Encina" Brunal

Tasting Notes

Javier Sanz’s 2022 “La Encina” Bruñal is a rare and expressive 100% Bruñal (also known as Albarín Negro), sourced from old vines in Castilla y León where the variety survives in tiny, carefully tended parcels. Bruñal is naturally low‑yielding and intensely concentrated, and Sanz farms it with meticulous attention to canopy balance and ripeness to preserve both its depth and its freshness. The wine opens with dark, brooding aromatics of black cherry, wild blackberry, plum skin, and blueberry compote, layered with notes of violets, cracked pepper, cocoa, tobacco leaf, and a subtle graphite‑mineral edge. On the palate it is structured yet polished, showing firm but refined tannins wrapped around dense black‑fruit flavors, savory spice, and a long, earthy finish that reflects the region’s stony, high‑altitude soils. Its combination of richness and tension makes it a superb partner for grilled lamb, roasted pork shoulder, venison, braised short ribs, chorizo, jamón ibérico, mushroom ragout, aged Manchego, and deeply flavored stews; it also pairs beautifully with charcoal‑grilled vegetables and dishes featuring smoked paprika or black pepper.

750ml