The Aragón Rule-Breaker — Guelbenzu Vierlas 2020

Tasting Notes

Dark, brooding, and built like a Spanish linebacker. Expect black cherry, blueberry, and blackberry compote, followed by black olive tapenade, cedar, and a hit of tobacco and cracked pepper from that Syrah dominance. On the palate it’s full-bodied, rich, and layered, with ripe fruit up front, spice and toasted oak in the mid-palate, and a long finish marked by balsamic, menthol, and dark spice. A total power move in a glass.

Meet the Winemaker

Bodegas Guelbenzu farms the rocky, wind-whipped soils of Finca La Lombana in Vierlas (Aragón), where gravel and sand at ~500m elevation force the vines to struggle — and struggle beautifully. They vinify in stainless steel, age the wine 6 months in French & American oak, then let it chill in bottle another 6 months before release. Old-school precision with modern swagger.

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 60% Syrah / 40% Merlot (confirmed by you holding the damn bottle)

• Vintage: 2020

• Region: VT Ribera del Queiles, Aragón, Spain

• Aging: 6 months in oak (French + American mix) + 6 months bottle aging

• ABV: 14.5%

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Serving Temp: 16°C (60–62°F)

Critic Reviews

• Tim Atkin – 90 pts
  Recognizes the vintage for intensity, freshness, and fruit-forward complexity.

• Producer/Trade Notes:
  “Intense, fresh and complex with hints of ripe black fruits… well-integrated toasted finish.”

Food Pairings

• Ribeye or lamb chops — fat meets tannin, perfection

• Chorizo, morcilla, or spiced pork

• Mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables

• Manchego, aged Gouda, or a full charcuterie spread

Why You Need This Bottle

Because this is not a shy Spanish red — it’s a “turn heads at the table” kind of bottle.
The Syrah punches, the Merlot smooths, and together they deliver that deep, delicious, slightly feral vibe that makes people ask, “Wait… what is this?”
It’s bold, modern, and stupidly good for the price.

Grab your Guelbenzu Vierlas 2020 now.