2017 Chapillon Siendra Calatayud Spain 750 ml

We get goosebumps when a fabulous winemaker directs us to find a restaurant “with good wine glasses.” That’s exactly how we were introduced to the latest vintage of this juicy showstopper—and while the Zalto stemware at San Francisco’s Kokkari restaurant helped, the 2017 Chapillon Siendra stood out all on its own. 

Wine Access members went crazy for our previous two offers from Chapillon, and this 2017 Siendra has the best price-to-score ratio yet. At $18 this ripe, vibrant, and “very attractive” Spanish discovery earned 93 points from James Suckling. And after tasting it with the man himself over a roasted lamb dinner, we can attest that this vintage of Chapillon Siendra is even better than the last two. 

Ripe blackberry, black plum, and black cherry aromas are balanced by hints of fresh herbs, pepper, baking spice, wild balsam, and aromatic sandalwood. Bright raspberry and lingonberry notes come alive on palate, with pronounced tannins evolving toward a peppery, spice-laden finish. Medium-bodied and pure, fans of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and even Bordeaux will love reaching for this as a daily sipper.

It all started with a handshake in Düsseldorf several years ago, when we were introduced to Christophe Chapillon by our friend Pierre Courdurié, the Bordeaux garagiste and owner of Robert Parker-favorite Château Croix de Labrie in Saint-Émilion. Chapillon’s wines 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 Bordeaux, Chapillon headed south to 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 a great success, and is now one of the definitive producers in the region of Calatayud.

Dominated by gorgeous old-vine Garnacha grown in the arid climes of Aragon, south-east of Rioja, the 2017 Siendra paints a visual picture of the region with every sip. The old-vine Garnacha is raised in the stony soils of Chapillon’s Calatayud vineyard, with extra backbone provided by Cabernet and Syrah. It has a gorgeous acidic lift, fine minerality, and has been mellowed by 12 months in French oak.

We last connected with Chapillon when he was in San Francisco, and when we took him to Kokkari to fulfill his request for  “good lamb and good wine glasses,” it was the 2017 Siendra’s time to shine.

We toasted to Pierre Courdurié for introducing us, to Chapillon’s fateful move to Spain, and most of all, to $18 wines that more than deserve the good stemware. Claim a bottle or a case, and no matter where you drink it, we know you’ll raise a glass too.