Jean Leon - Vinya la Scala Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Single Vineyard 2012

Jean Leon - Vinya la Scala Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Single Vineyard 2012 (90+ TSW)

A few months ago we had a online masterclass with Mireia Torres, general manager at Jean Leon and Lucas Gailhac, brand ambassador at Familia Torres. The Story about Jean Leon could be a real movie. It has a special history.

Jean Leon was born in Spain in 1928, but decided to try his luck in America at an early age. He tried several times to board a ship bound for the US and after 8 times he succeeded and Jean Leon initially came out in New York.

Here he was the taxi driver of taxi 3055 for the first few years; a song that would play an important role in his life. In 1945 he started working in Hollywood at the Villa Capri restaurant. This restaurant is also famous because of its famous owners: Frank Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio.

In this restaurant he became friends with none other than James Dean. Together with him, Jean Leon started a new restaurant in Hollywood, La Scala. In the 50s and 60s, this restaurant was the place of greats to dine, remembering Marilyn Monroe and J.F. Kennedy.

Ultimately his ambition drove him even further and he returned to Spain to make wine. He started his own vineyard in Penedes, just west of Barcelona. The 3055 line is still one of Penedes' best-selling wines. Since 2012, all Jean Leon wines are also certified organic.

In the mid-1960s, Jean Leon became friends with Miguel Torres senior, from the large successful wine company Bodegas Torres. That friendship continued even when Jean Leon became terminally ill and in 1994 decided to sell his vineyards to Torres where they cherish the heritage of Jean Leon.

Back to the tasting. We tasted a range of 6 wines. The final wine of the tasting is their flagship wine.

24 months aging in French oak barrels, at least 3 years bottle aging.

In the glass a dark ruby red color with violet reflections.
On the medium(+) nose aromas of blackcurrants, plum jam and cassis with hints of vanilla, cloves, cedar and spices.
On the palate full bodied, medium(+) acidity and tannins. Flavours are a recall of the nose with a long and intense final.

Distribution NL @walravensax