Red Wine Jean Leon Vinya La Scala 2016
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Produced only in exceptional vintages, Jean Leon Vinya La Scala is a remarkable old-vines Cabernet Sauvignon with an interesting history behind it.
In 1963, Jean Leon planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines in the history of Penedès with the aim of fulfulling one of his lifelong dreams: producing a Spanish red wine bearing his name. Composed of gravelly-sandy soils, the 8-hectare estate was named La Scala, like Jean Leon's famous Hollywood restaurant.
After the 1969 one, which went in its entirety to Jean Leon's restaurant, the first commercially released vintage of Vinya La Scala was 1970. Thus, this Vino de Finca (single estate wine) became the first varietal Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Spain.
The 2016 vintage of this red wine from Penedès was harvested on October 16th. The grapes were hand-picked and selected twice, first in the vineyard and the in the cellar. After that, the grapes were macerated for 20 days and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Then this organic red wine was transferred into new French oak barrels, where it completed malolactic fermentation and was aged for 24 months. Finally, Jean Leon Vinya La Scala 2016 was aged for 3 more years in the bottle.
Every vintage of this Gran reserva Cabernet Sauvignon comes with a new label, which is always designed by a renowned artist. August Rosell was the author of the 2016 vintage label.
13,150 bottles produced.
Decant this vegan wine 1 hour before drinking.
Appearance | The red wine Jean Leon Vinya La Scala is dark ruby with some reddish glints. |
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Nose | Intense and information-rich, Jean Leon Vinya La Scala Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva suggests aromas of raspberry jam and mulberries, nuanced by notes of vanilla, black pepper and cinnamon. As this Cabernet Sauvignon gets exposed to air, we perceive some remembrances of tobacco, Mediterranean garrigue, toast and a smoky layer. |
Palate | Bold, focused and very precise, this wine of Jean Leon has a lush texture, a phantastic acidity and some ripe tannins. Regal and dignified, it has an old-school elegance and great energy. Very long finish with some spicy and smoky notes over a mineral background. |
Our personal opinion | One of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines, not only from Penedès, but from the whole of Spain, and maybe even beyond. Jean Leon Vinya La Scala 2016 is simply exceptional. |
OTHER VINTAGES | Jean Leon Vinya La Scala 2013: Enterwine 93. Parker 90. James Suckling 93. Decanter 92. Jean Leon Vinya La Scala Gran Reserva 2003: Enterwine 93. Peñín 93. Parker 91. |
Year | 2016 |
Type | Red |
D.O. | Penedès |
Bottle size | 75 cl |
Serving tempurature | 16-18ºC |
Should this wine be decanted? | 40-60 minutes before serving |
Organic | Yes |
Vegan | Yes |
Ageing | Gran Reserva |
Type of ageing | Months in French oak barrels |
Number of months aged in Barrels | 24 |
Enterwine's Score | 93 |
Media rating | 93 |
Other guides | Proensa 97. |
Mono-Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Pairings | Birds, Civet, Cured cheeses, Game animals, Grilled red meats, Red meat with gravy, Roasted foods, Roasted lamb, Roasted red meats, Specialty Spanish prosciutto , Stews, White meat with gravy |
Taste | Complex and Elegant, Silky and intense, Tasty with barrel notes, Very intense and inky |
Occasion | A special occasion, Business dinner, Romantic Dinner, To bring to an engagement |