2024 Viña Zorzal Garnacha Navarra

92+ points. The young and juicy varietal 2024 Garnacha was produced with grapes from different villages—Corella, Cintruénigo, Fitero and Lerga, that last one included since 2020—from a cooler place that adds lower pH, more freshness and complexity to the blend. It was a low-yielding year but with more rain. They did a soft extraction in stainless steel using 10% full clusters and indigenous yeasts, achieving a wine with moderate alcohol (13.38%), good freshness (pH 3.39) and 5.4 grams of acidity. It's very primary and fruit-driven with tons of aromatic herbs, juicy, clean and easy to drink, very pleasant, with an extra spark of freshness. (LG)

So fresh and easy to drink, this Garnacha is one of the best wines I’ve had at this price point all year. Garnacha is native to neighboring Aragón, where it thrives in the warm, Mediterranean climate, and this wine shows exactly why old vine Garnacha is one of the most compelling wines to explore from Spain. Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, this bottle is brimming with incredibly pure red fruit aromas and flavors, followed quickly by a slightly spicy black pepper note. On the palate it feels so lightweight and effortless, with silky smooth tannins and an exuberant brightness. This is an incredibly versatile wine to have on hand for a multitude of occasions and meals. It would be perfect with charcuterie, grilled chicken, wood-fired pizza, even burgers on the grill – the list goes on and on. It’s also just really fun to drink on its own, possibly with a light chill to emphasize those pretty fruit and floral notes. This is a wine to buy by the case!