Arrayán, La Suerte, Méntrida, Spain, 2012

Arrayán’s success is symbolic of the renewed energy and enthusiasm in some of Spain’s forgotten regions – in this case Méntrida. The approach may be modern, but it is based on the old vines and history of Garnacha in the region. The vineyard is on poor sandy soils at 700m – just the kind of higher-altitude site sought to prevent the resulting wine from toppling over into blowsiness. The project was launched in 1988 with the help of two top names: the Australian viticultural expert Richard Smart, who has worked across the Iberian peninsula, and in the winery the enthusiastic and insightful Miguel Angel de Gregorio of Rioja’s Finca Allende.   Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW <br /> Delicate, perfumed, floral. Balanced, deep, well-structured, complex and long. Lovely!   Sarah Jane Evans MW <br /> Pale in colour but impressively full of flavour. Vivid, characterful and mid-weight, with a long finish. Fresh, with glorious texture. This is an original!   Pierre Mansour <br /> Subtle, fresh nose with some spice. Wonderfully integrated palate showing drive and presence. Fruit flavours are vibrant. Really classy.