This high, arid, mountainous area west of Zaragoza consists of a series of interlinked river valleys the slopes of which are planted primarily with Garnacha. The average age of the vines is around thirty, with a significant number of between 60 and 100 years. El Jalón is a fusion of 3 former co-operatives in the villages of Maluenda, Mara, and Munébrega - each with its own growers, winery and winemaker though the nerve centre is Maluenda.
The wines produced here are dark and powerful; and the structured, damson-flavoured Garnacha is often complimented with Syrah, sometimes Cabernet, and occasionally Tempranillo. There is an excellent choice of wines from the basic but very supple Viña Alarba Tinto (the 07 is a blend of 83% Garnacha, 12% Tempranillo and 5% Syrah) right through to Las Pizarras and Alto Las Pizarras - which are made in truly diminutive quantities from 100-year old vines grown on slate: the former unoaked, the latter oaked. Over to Mr. Parker again: ‘The 2005 Las Pizarras, is remarkably floral (violets) with traces of lavender, spices, and Provencal herbs. The black cherry flavours are mouth filling and there is enough tannin for several years of development.
Tasted blind, you might think this was a high class Chateauneuf du Pape; the 2006 Las Pizarras (meaning "black slate/schist") del Jalon is 100% Garnacha from 70- to 100-year-old vines. Purple-colored, it has an alluring perfume of mineral, black raspberry and black cherry. However, on the palate it is firm and compact at the moment. The fruit is present but tightly wound but with 2-3 years of further cellaring it should round out and offer pleasant drinking’. Whereas: the 2005 Altos Las Pizarras takes things to a still higher level.
A selection of the best lots was put into 100% new French oak to complete malolactic where it remained until recent bottling. Toasty oak, black fruits and espresso roast aromas are followed by a fullbodied wine with supple, sweet cherry and black fruit flavors : 2006 Alto Las Pizarras del Jalon is sourced from the estate's oldest vineyards and was aged for 11 months in new French oak. Dense purple, it has a superior bouquet of cedar, spice box, violets, blueberry, and black cherry liqueur.
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