2019 Chapillon Siendra Calatayud Spain 750 ml

French expat Christophe Chapillon makes lush, complex Spanish reds, and his 2019 Siendra shows why he headed south to Spain’s sun-drenched Aragón region, where he’s become one of its definitive producers. 

A gorgeous blend dominated by 80% Grenache grown on 70-year-old vines,It’s the kind of layered, complex, red-fruit-rich wine that would push $30 if it were from the Rhône. The previous vintage we offered rang up 4.1 stars from Wine Access members—something basically unheard of at this price. . 

“You won’t believe the prices when you taste the quality.” 

That’s what our friend Pierre Courdurié, the Bordeaux garagiste and owner of Robert Parker favorite Château Croix de Labrie in Saint-Émilion, promised us right before he introduced us to Christophe Chapillon in Dusseldorf several years ago. 

Chapillon’s wines delivered. They were the highlight of our marathon Prowein tasting, and we remain grateful to Courdurié for creating what turned into such a special connection.

Originally from the Loire Valley, Chapillon arrived in Spain over a decade ago and hasn’t looked back. He parlayed his French savoir-faire and 185 acres of vines in prime Spanish territory into amazing success.

Dominated by gorgeous old-vine Garnacha grown in the arid climes of Aragón, which lies southeast of Rioja, the 2019 Siendra paints a visual picture of the region with every sip. The wine’s old-vine Garnacha was raised in Chapillon’s Calatayud vineyard, and for the blend it got dosed with small amounts of Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot. It has a gorgeous acidic lift, fine minerality, and has been mellowed by 12 months in oak.

Make no mistake: Although the Siendra fits the category of “bargain red,” it definitely deserves the good stemware.