Master of Wine Norrel Robertson is a hugely experienced winemaker, who fell in love with the ancient Garnacha bush vines of Calatayud. He has never wanted to leave them. More and more growers, however, are abandoning their vineyards – the conditions aren’t for the faint-hearted – relentlessly hot in summer and freezing through winter. That makes Norrel’s ancient vines all the more precious …. some are true centenarians at 120 years old, and all at least 50.

The wine

From the meagre grapes of his ancient vines, the Flying Scotsman, as he’s known, Norrel makes this powerful, dark Garnacha red. Vines this old, planted in such poor stony soil, produce minute yields and a wine that speaks boldly of where it’s from – dark fruits and wild mountain herbs of thyme and rosemary, seamlessly marrying with French oak and supported by silky tannins. Amazingly long too.

Come and see for yourself

Norrel and the family are in the process of building a new winery – we will update the page as soon as it's complete, but it won't be quick. Meanwhile they drop in, cuckoo style, to other wineries nearby to use a small corner of the cellar. If you're in Calatayud and want to visit, drop Norrel or the team a line, and they will be very pleased to show you the breathtaking landscape and the ancient vineyards, the grapes of which go into the sleek Sierra de los Sueños.

Get in touch to organise your vineyard visit

You can stock up here or place an order with your Wine Guide. Naturally at the same special bottle price you paid for your partnership case.