Zorzal Garnacha Malayeto 2021

97 Points, Tim Atkin
This Garnacha is part of Zorzal’s series of terroir-focused wines. Coming from Fitero, a village at the base of the mountains in the south of Navarra that separate the region from La Rioja, the 40-year-old vines are grown at 520m on rocky soils on limestone and clay. The wine is defined by an elegant and precise structure but does not lack any intensity with blackberry fruit, black pepper and a little mint. With just enough tannic grip, it is profound yet full of energy and drive.

94 Points, Wine Advocate
A longtime favorite of mine and still a bargain, the 2021 Malayeto is always one of the most elegant and finest wines from Zorzal. It comes from 2.39 hectares of vines that are now 43 years old, planted at 520 meters altitude on limestone-rich soils in the village of Fitero, on the same slope as their Corral de los Altos. It fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete and matures in 12 used 500-liter barrels and one 4,000 liter oak foudre for a year. It has 13.5% alcohol and is medium-bodied with great balance, finesse, freshness and acidity. It has good depth a sense of good ripeness (even riper than Corral de los Altos this year!). There is a great consistency in this vineyard and this wine is serious, precise and long.