Gold Medal – New World Wine Awards 2024
Taking up the battle for Spain is La Conquista, Chaffey's take on Rioja with Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha joining forces here. A slightly more 'playful' cuvee with a touch more savoury elements coming into play here. Surprisingly good length and complexity here for a wine at this price. Highly recommended!
Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"The vinous rematch of the 1811 Battle at Barrosa Ridge where Spain fought off attacking French forces. Classic Tempranillo cherry and cola aromas mingle with hints of chocolate and Graciano's spicy florals. A dark yet luminous crimson colour hints at the rich semi-savoury palate that dances against a dash of red cherry juiciness. Rioja-Inspired Barossa Blend. Perfect with pizza, or an epic tapas wine."
5 Stars & 93/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, July 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Sweetly fruited and elegantly perfumed, the wine shows Black Doris plum, clove, hazelnut and rich floral aromas, leading to a silky-smooth palate offering fleshy texture and silky tannins. Plump and flavoursome with a lengthy soothing finish. At its best: now to 2030."
92/100 Cameron Douglas MS, July 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"An excellent bouquet filled aromas of dark red berry fruits, spices and iron sand mineral suggestions. Though it hasn’t spent that long in oak, there’s enough baking spice and lees complexities to show off the breadth in the wine from this technique. Taut and dry as the wine touches the palate then flavours of dark plums and boysenberries, forest floor moments and a stony iron soil quality. Well made, dry and fruity, balanced by texture and length. Best drinking form 2024 through 2029."
92/100 Dave Brookes, James Halliday's Wine Companion (2022 Vintage)
"A vibrant, crunchy blend of tempranillo, graciano and garnacha. A joy to drink with its spicy red and dark berry and plum fruits, hints of souky spice, dried citrus rind and pressed wildflowers and fine, sandy tannin base. Bright, with just the right dosage of slurpiness and lots of enjoyment in each glass."
90/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review, August 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Aromas of geranium, pot pourri, white pepper and mulberry. Firm, fleshy and textured in flavour. There's a solid drive of dark fruited goodness along with savoury, drying tannins and crunchy acidity. Quite complex and sophisticated."