CHAFFEY BROS LA CONQUISTA! RED 2023

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 (2023 Vintage)
"Since a vinuous pilgrimage to Spain in 2013, we have been on a quest to make the perfect roblé-style Spanish blend. 2023 marks 10 years on and the extended cool season (thanks La Niña!) gifted us the most complex and sophisticated La Conquista yet!

Tempranillo parcels from Gomersal on the Western ridge meshes seamlessly with Old Vine Grenache from Vine Vale while the Moculta Graciano adds spice and fragrant lift. Matured for eight months in seasoned French puncheons and hogshead barrels before meticulous blending, the final blend this year has more Grenache than usual which gives the ripe juicy fruit needed to flesh out the structure of Tempranillo’s complex and savoury fruit. The final blend is tempranillo, old vine garnacha and Graciano or TGG. Cherry and cola aromas mingle with hints of chocolate and spicy florals. A dark yet luminous crimson colour hints at the rich semi-savoury dark cherry and cola palate that finishes with a hint of red cherry juiciness. Rioja-Inspired Red Blend. Perfect with pizza, or epic tapas wine.

The vinous rematch of the 1811 Battle at Barrosa Ridge where Spain fought off attacking French forces. La Conquista! pitches Tempranillo and Graciano on the attack, ruffling feathers amongst the Barossa Old Guard varieties of French descent. The original Spanish spelling of Barrosa honours the original name given to our Barossa Valley by Colonel Light who fought in the 1811 battle."

91/100 Dave Brookes, James Halliday's Wine Companion, May 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"A slurpy mash-up of tempranillo, garnacha and graciano with spicy red and dark berry and red plum fruits, a dab of Medina spice, dried citrus rind, cola, pressed meadow flowers and drying grass. Lively with some nice crunch to the fruit on the palate and a super-lively mineral cadence."

90/100 Stuart Knox, The Real Review, January 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"Bright ruby-red colour. Raspberry, cayenne and musk stick aromatics. Medium to full with raspberry and plum fruits all encased in a melange of sweet exotic spices. Tannins have tension and a fine grip, keeping the palate lively and drying to the end."