ROCKSTARS

• 2005 Clos Erasmus (100 points...AGAIN!) one of only two wines in the issue to receive a perfect score
• 2005 Aalto PS (98 points) “exceptionally powerful, focused, and beautifully proportioned, this full bodied wine is dense, rich and structured for the long haul.”
• 2005 Mas d’en Compte Planots (98 points) “a ripe, totally hedonistic wine with extreme length and a decade of cellaring potential.”
• 2005 Nit de Nin (98 points) “smooth textured, layered, spicy, and a total turn on.”
• 2005 Mas Doix (98 points) “a powerful , masculine, intense Priorat with gobs of flavor.”
• 2005 Nebro (98 points) “opulent, mouth-filling, and rich, the wine is a tour de force.”
• 2006 Artadi El Pison (97 points) “elegant personality with plenty of grip, breadth, and length”

EURO BUSTERS - under $15 (sensational values even with the weak dollar)

• 2005 La Huella de Adaras (92 points) “an absolutely sensational value”
• 2006 Mas Que Vinos Ercavio Roble (91 points)
• 2007 Burgans Albarino (90 points) “in terms of bang for the buck, it has no challenger.”
• 2007 Espelt Corali Rosado (90 points) - highest rated rose!
• 2006 Este (90 points)
• 2006 Cuatro Pasos (90 points)
• 2006 Sierra Salinas Mo (90 points)
• 2007 Valdesil Montenovo Godello (90 points)

RETAIL CASE STACKERS & BY THE GLASS SUPERSTARS

• 2005 Capcanes Mas Donis (91 points)
• 2006 Las Rocas Garnacha (91 points)
• 2005 Castano Hecula (90 points)
• 2007 Castano Monastrell (90 points)
• 2005 Castano Solanera (91 points)
• 2006 Gotim Bru (90 points)

OH SNAP! DON'T OVERLOOK THESE...

• 2004 Capcanes Vall del Calas (90 points) “ripe, forward and easy-going…”
• 2006 Celler de l’Encastell Marge (92 points) amazing Priorat value!
• 2006 Mustiguillo Mestizaje (91 points)
• 2006 Pazo de Senorans Albarino (92 points) & 2003 Seleccion de Anada (93 points) “always a candidate for Albarino of the vintage”
• 2006 Louro do Bolo (91 points)
• 2006 Ombra (90 points)
• 2006 El Vilosell (91 points)

PETER SISSICK STRIKES AGAIN!

• 2006 Clos d’Agon Blanco (95 points)
• 2005 Quinta Sardonia (94 points)
• 2005 Hacienda Monasterio Crianza (93 points)
• 2006 El Regejal (92 points)

NEW PROJECTS

• 2004 Sierra Salinas 1237 (95 points) and Mira (93 points) new partnership between Eric Solomon and the Castano family
• 2006 Jiminez Landi Pielago (94 points) & Sotorrondero (91 points) new single vineyard wines & highest rated wine from Mentrida—EVER
• 2005 Bodegas Orben Malpuesto (93 points) and Orben (92 points) debut vintage from the owner of Villacreces
• 2005 Creta (91 points) Eric’s new project in the Ribera del Duero—under $20!

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Feb-08

Aalto 2005 95

The 2005 Aalto, made from 100% Tinto Fino, is a deep purple color with an enticing nose of wood smoke, bacon, floral notes, spice box, and blackberry. This leads to a powerful, layered, intense wine already beginning to show complex flavors. Structured for 5-7 years of further evolution, this strong effort will be at its best from 2015 to 2030.

Aalto P.S. 2005 98

The 2005 Aalto PS is 100% Tinto Fino from vineyards over 60 years of age. It was aged for 32 months in 70% new French oak. Saturated in appearance, the wine offers up notes of pain grille, balsamic, crushed stone, floral notes, and wild black fruits. Exceptionally powerful, focused, and beautifully proportioned, this full-bodied wine is dense, rich, and structured for the long haul. Give this super-long, impressive effort a decade in the cellar and drink it from 2018 to 2040. Patient purchasers will be well rewarded.

Alemany I Corrio "Sot Lefriec" 2005 89

The 2005 Sot Lefriec is 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Carinena sourced from a single vineyard. Purple with a ruby rim, the nose offers up notes of cedar, smoke, cassis, and blueberry. Slightly compressed on the palate, the wine may open with 2-3 years in the cellar.

Bodegas Almansenas "La Huella" 92

This is an absolutely sensational value from Bodegas Almansenas, located in Almansa. Importer Eric Solomon believes that Almansa is Spain’s greatest location for Garnacha Tintorera, more commonly known as Alicante Bouschet. The 2005 La Huella de Adaras is a blend of 60% Garnacha Tintorera, 30% Monastrell, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up an alluring bouquet of mineral, lavender, blueberry, and black raspberry. Super-rich, layered, and well-balanced, it has 1-2 years of aging potential. However, there is no obvious reason to delay gratification. This is what over-delivering is all about.

Artadi "Vinas de Gain" 2006 92

The 2006 Vinas de Gain is old-vine Tempranillo aged in 40% new French oak for 12-14 months. Deep crimson-colored, it offers an alluring perfume of truffle, pencil lead, vanilla, blackberry, and black cherry jam. Full bodied, the wine is opulent yet elegant. It has enough stuffing to evolve for 4-5 years and should drink well from 2012 to 2025.

Artadi "Pagos Viejos" 2006 94

The 2006 Pagos Viejos is sourced from Tempranillo vines over 75 years of age and aged for 18 months in new French oak. The wine is inky purple with a sublime nose of pain grille, graphite, black cherry, wild blue fruits, and blackberry. This leads to a dense, plush, remarkably elegant wine which is already exhibiting some complexity. While rich enough to be enjoyed now, it will improve for 5-7 years and be at its best from 2015 to 2030.

Artadi "El Pison" 2006 97

The 2006 Vina El Pison comes from a single Tempranillo vineyard planted in 1945 on pure limestone. The wine was aged for 16-18 months in new French oak. It has an ethereal nose found only in the greatest wines. Toasty oak, wood smoke, truffle, wild blueberry, and blackberry liqueur are striking and complex. This is followed by a layered wine with an elegant personality that still has plenty of grip, breadth, and length. It is a tour de force that will provide pleasure over the next 20-25 years.

Artazuri "Santa Cruz" 2005 92

The 2005 Santa Cruzis sourced from a single vineyard of the same name. The vineyard is 100% Garnacha with vines ranging from 80-100 years of age. Opaque purple-colored, it reveals a slightly roasted bouquet with kirsch liquer notes as well as fragrant black cherry and black raspberry. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied (16.5% alcohol), powerful, well-balanced, and long. Drink this crowd-pleasing effort over the next 6-8 years. It is an ideal match for suckling pig.

Burgans Albarino 2007 90

Burgans is a custom cuvee made for importer Eric Solomon. While it’s not the best Albarino on the market, in terms of bang for the buck, it has no challenger. The 2007 Burgans Albarino is light gold-colored with a sprightly nose of mineral, spring flowers, and lemon peel. Ripe, balanced, and concentrated, this is an ideal match for flaky fish courses. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.

Mas d'en Compte Tinto 2005 94

The 2005 Mas d’En Compte Tinto is 50% Garnacha, 40% Carinena, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 14 months in new French and American oak. Deep crimson-colored, it has an alluring nose of pain grille, slate, wild blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a structured, muscular expression of Priorat with outstanding concentration, depth, and length. Give it 5-7 years to blossom and drink it through 2025.

Mas d'en Compte "Planots" 2005 98

The 2005 Mas d’En Compte Planots is 50% Garnacha and 50% Carinena from 100+-year-old vines aged in new French oak for 16 months. Purple-colored, the nose is more fruit confit than spice cabinet along with notes of wild blueberry and blackberry. This is followed by a ripe, totally hedonistic wine with extreme length and a decade of cellaring potential. While it will be hard to resist young, patient purchasers will be well rewarded.

Nun "Vinya dels Taus" 2006 93

The 2006 Nun Vinya dels Taus is 100% Xarello from the oldest known surviving Xarello vines (60+ years). The vineyard is organic and biodynamically farmed and the wine was aged for 8 months in Burgundy barrels. Medium gold-colored, the nose offers up aromas of mineral/slate, spring flowers, honey, and tropical notes. Smooth-textured, concentrated, and rich, the flavors are reminiscent of old vine Roussanne. It is difficult to predict how it might age so enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.

Cervoles Tinto 2005 91

Celler de Cantonella’s vineyards are at the highest altitude of the D.O. just bordering the Montsant/Priorat D.O. Composed of 40% Tempranillo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Garnacha, and 10% Merlot, the wine spent 12 months in 50% new French oak. Purple-colored, the aromatics reveal smoke, slate, floral notes, and assorted black fruits. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ripe, layered, and nicely proportioned. It has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now and over the next 8-10 years.

Cap de Barbaria 2005 90

The 2005 Cap de Barbaria is 35% Monastrell, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Fogoneu. Purple-colored, it has an expressive nose of slate, pencil lead, blueberry, black currant, and a balsamic meets chocolate character. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and tasty, it has several years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now and over the next 8-10 years.

Cantos de Vicera Monastrell 2004 88

Cantos de Vicera is a partnership between Bodegas Castano and importer Eric Solomon. The wine is produced from a single 10-hectare vineyard “Clos Marta” of pre-phylloxera Monastrell with tiny yields. Deep purple-colored, the wine’s aromatics are reticent although notes of mineral, scorched earth, and blueberry emerge with swirling. On the palate the wine is structured and quite tannic, the finish slightly clipped. Whether to purchase it is a roll of the dice.

Capcanes "Mas Donis" 2005 91

Mas Donis Barrica is a custom cuvee made for importer Eric Solomon using old-vine Garnacha (80+ years) and Syrah (30+ years). The 2005 Mas Donis Barrica is 85 % Garnacha and 15% Syrah aged for 8 months in French and American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It offers up an expressive nose of slate, mineral, licorice, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered, long, and complex, this spicy, hedonistic effort has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now without guilt. It is a great value.

Capcanes "Val de Calas" 2004 90

The 2004 Vall del Calas is 60% Merlot, 35% Garnacha, and 5% Tempranillo aged for 11 months in a mix of new and used French oak. Opaque purple-colored, the nose reveals toast, smoke, blueberry, and black cherry. Ripe, forward, and easy-going this is a wine to enjoy over the next 4-6 years.

Capcanes "Costers del Gravet" 2005 89

The 2005 Costers del Gravet is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Garnacha del Pais, and 15% Carinena aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak. The age of the Garnacha and Carinena vines ranges from 30-60 years. Purple-colored, it reveals an alluring bouquet of cedar, mineral, spice box, black cherry, black currant, and plum. On the palate the wine is a bit compressed and tightly wound. However, the flavors are good and the finish is moderately long. A couple of years in the cellar may pull this wine together.

Capcanes "Cabrida" 2005 91

The 2005 Cabrida is 100% old-vine Garnacha sourced from vines ranging in age from 70-105 years with tiny yields. The wine was aged for 12 months in new French oak. Dark ruby/purple in color, it is slightly muted aromatically although notes of mineral and black cherry can be discerned. On the palate the wine is supple and layered with cherry and mocha notes emerging. The finish is long and fruit-filled. Several years in the bottle may bring greater resolution to this wine.

Capcanes "Cabrida Calissa" 2006 93

The 2006 Cabrida Calissa is a micro-cuvee of 800 bottles of pure Garnacha grown in chalk. The vines range from 80-100 years of age. Super-expressive aromatically, notes of toast, smoke, mineral, balsamic, and wild cherry are seductive. This leads to an elegant, intense, bright wine with uplifting acidity that can be enjoyed now and over the next 12 years.

Castano "Casa Cisa" 2005 88

As usual, several of Castano’s entry-level wines are terrific values and are noted on the Best Buy chart at the end of this report. The 2005 Casa Cisca is 100% old-vine Monastrell aged for 14 months in American oak. Dark ruby-colored, it has an excellent perfume of violets, crushed stone, lavender, tobacco, and blueberry. As good as the wine is aromatically, it comes up a bit short on the palate where it is compact and lean. Perhaps time will be kind to this wine but that is a gamble.

Castell del Remei "1780" 2005 88

The 2005 1780 (named for the date of the founding of the estate) is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Tempranillo, and 15% Garnacha aged for 12 months in new French and American oak. Purple-colored, the aromatics include notes of iodine, mineral, slate, black currant, and blackberry. This leads to a firm wine in which hints of menthol/eucalyptus emerge. The finish is slightly compact although 2-3 years of further bottle aging may bring greater harmony.

Bodegas Cigarral Santa Maria "Pago del Ama Syrah" 2005 93

The 2005 Pago del Ama Syrah is a glass-coating opaque purple. Aromas of smoke, creosote, blackberry, and blueberry jump from the glass. This leads to a tight, structured wine in which there is good integration of oak, tannin, and acidity. All this wine needs is 4-6 years of further bottle age. Drink it between 2013 and 2025.

Bodegas Tomas Cusine "Geol" 2006 89

The 2006 Geol is 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Carinena aged for 10 months in French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a fragrant, Bordeaux-like nose of cedar, spice box, and black currants. This is followed by an elegant wine with serious flavor interest. It has the stuffing and balance to evolve for several years but can be enjoyed now through 2018.

Celler de l'Encastell "Marge" 2006 92

The 2006 Marge is 60% Garnacha, 14% Syrah, 13% Merlot, and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 8 months in French and American oak. Purple-colored with a ruby rim, it has an enticing nose of lavender, violets, garrigue, cherry and blueberry which jumps from the glass. Smooth textured, spicy, and full-flavored, the wine has terrific depth and length. Give it 2-3 years to blossom and drink it through 2020.

Hacienda Monestario Crianza 2005 93

The wine at Hacienda Monasterio is made by Peter Sisseck of Dominio Pingus. The vineyards are in the tenderloin of the region between Pesquera del Duero and Valbuena. The 2005 Crianza is made up of 80% Tinto Fino, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. Opaque purple-colored, the nose offers up floral notes of lilies and violets, mineral, black cherry and blackberry which jump from the glass. This is followed by a plush, balanced, savory wine with gobs of spicy black fruits, and a long finish. Give it 2-3 years to round out and drink it through 2025.

Herta de Albala "Taberner #1" 2006 90

The 2005 Tabernet #1 has more of everything than the regular bottling. Deeper in color, and even more expressive aromatically, with fragrant aromas of grilled meat, game, and wild blueberry, this opulent wine is rocking. Full-bodied, the wine exhibits layer upon layer of spicy, ripe, sweet fruit, superb balance, and a 60-second finish. Put this exciting wine in a blind tasting of your favorite northern Rhones and prepare to be shocked.

Bodegas Jiminez Landi "Pielago" 2006 94

The 2006 Pielago is 60% Merlot and 40% Syrah aged in 300 and 500-liter new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up aromas of pain grille, game, bacon, blueberry, and black currants. Supple-textured, intense, layered, and meaty, this full-throttle effort has superb concentration and a 60-second finish. Give it 2-3 years to unfold and drink it through 2020.

Bodegas Jiminez Landi "Sotorrondero" 2006 91

The 2006 Sotorrondero is composed of 50% Merlot, 35% Tempranillo, and 15% Syrah aged for 7 months in French and American oak. Purple in color, has an attractive nose of cedar, mineral, spice box, blackberry, and blueberry. This leads to a fat, layered, tasty wine with good balance and length. Drink it over the next 4-6 years.

Esther Nin I Llort "Nit de Nin" 2005 98

This is the second vintage of Ester Nin’s Nit de Nin. Nin’s day job is vineyard manager of Clos Erasmus. A whopping three barrels is produced from 80- to 100-year-old vines from the village of Porrera. The 2005 Nit de Nin is 60% Garnacha, 30% Carinena, and 10% Syrah aged for 18 month in French oak. Purple-colored, the wine has a super-expressive perfume of mineral, truffle, licorice, Asian spices, cassis, kirsch, and blueberry. Smooth-textured, layered, spicy, and a total turn-on, this very long, pleasure-bent wine will evolve for 4-6 years but can be enjoyed now through 2020.

Cellers Marc Ripoll Sans "2 Vinyes" 2005 93

The 2 Vinyes is 100% Carinena sourced from two vineyards with 90-year-old vines. Purple-colored, it offers up notes of cedar, slate, smoke, spice cabinet, floral notes, and blueberry. Intense, sweet, and structured, it will evolve for 3-4 years and drink well through 2025.

Mas Alta "Artigas" 2005 91

Mas Alta is a project of renowned French winemaker/negociant Michel Tardieu. The 2005 Artigas is 60% Garnacha, 35% Carinena, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 15 months in new French oak. Deep crimson-colored, the nose reveals pain grille, pencil lead, violets, lavender, blueberry, and wild cherry. Smooth-textured, spicy, and with good depth, this is a solid Priorat for drinking over the next 8-10 years.

Celler Mas Doix "Salanques" 2005 93

The 2005 Salanques, a blend of 65% Garnacha, 20% Carinena, and the balance Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, is aged in French oak for 14 months. It has a glass-coating purple-hue with an alluring bouquet of cedar, smoke, slate, blueberry, and black cherry. Youthful and structured on the palate, this potentially complex effort will profit from 5-7 years of additional cellaring. It will be at its best from 2015 to 2030.

Celler Mas Doix "Vinas Viejas" 2005 98

The 2005 Costers de Vinas Viejas is aged for 16 months in new French oak. The wine is a blend of 50% Carinena, 48% Garnacha, and 2% Merlot. Purple-colored, it has an other-worldly perfume of pain grille, grilled meat, spice cabinet, espresso, mineral, wild blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a powerful, masculine, intense Priorat with gobs of flavor, 8-10 years of cellaring potential, and a very long finish. It will be at its peak from 2018 to 2040.

Celler Mas Gil "Clos d'Agon Blanco" 2006 95

A mere 6 barrels were made of the 2006 Clos d’Agon Blanco, a blend of 46% Viognier, 36% Roussanne, and 18% Marsanne. Medium straw-colored, it presents a complex, alluring bouquet of spring flowers, candle wax, honey, melon, and exotic tropical fruits. Smooth-textured, compellingly flavored, intense, and very long, this splendid effort may well evolve for several years but iron discipline will be required to keep hands off.

Celler Mas Gil "Clos d'Agon Tinto" 2004 93

The 2004 Clos d’Agon Tinto is 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 20% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc aged for 16 months in new French oak. Purple-colored, it has a smoky, sexy perfume of pain grille, crushed stone, clove, blueberry, and black currant. This is followed by a forward, seamless wine with gobs of flavor, a hedonistic personality, and a long, fruit-filled finish. Drink this seductive wine over the next 10 years.

Bodegas Mustiguillo "Finca Terrerazo" 2005 92

The 2005 Finca Terrerazo is 70% Bobal, 20% Tempranillo, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Bobal was sourced from 60+-year-old vines and the Tempranillo from 40-year-old vines and was aged for 19 months in French oak. It exhibits an alluring bouquet of cedar, smoke, spice box, violets, mineral, and black cherry. On the palate it is already beginning to show complexity. The flavors are pleasing, the wine supple and layered, and the finish is long and pure. Give it 2-3 years in the cellar and drink it through 2020.

Bodegas Mustiguillo "Mestzaje" 2006 91

The 2006 Mestizaje, a blend of 70% Bobal, and the balance Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Cabernet Sauvignon, went through malolactic fermentation in seasoned French oak where it remained for a further 6 months of aging prior to bottling without fining or filtration. Deep crimson-colored, it reveals a complex perfume of cedar, spice box, mineral, red cherry, black cherry, and blackberry. Ripe, sweet, and layered, with a lengthy finish, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 4-6 years.

Bodegas Mustiguillo "Quincha Corral" 2005 90

The 2005 Quincha Corral is 96% Bobal and 4% Syrah with the Bobal sourced from 90+-year-old vines. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak. It is a glass-coating opaque purple but the aromatics are reticent. Notes of chocolate and cherry can be discerned along with barrel aromas. This leads to a forward, plush wine with good intensity but it comes off as slightly monochromatic. Perhaps time in the cellar will add complexity.

Bodegas Orben "Malpuesto" 2005 93

The 2005 Malpuesto is sourced from an 80-year-old Tempranillo vineyard of the same name. Purple/black-colored, aromas of toasty oak, licorice, crushed stone, blackberry, and black cherry leap from the glass. Plush and flavorful, the wine is nicely balanced and pure in the finish. It will evolve for 2-3 years and provide pleasure from 2010 to 2020.

Bodegas Orben "Orben" 2005 92

The 2005 Orben is sourced from 75 micro-parcels of old vines of Tempranillo planted between 1945 and 1954. The wine is a glass-coating purple. Aromas of slate, cedar, tobacco, blueberry, and blackberry lead to a muscular, structured wine which is a bit tightly wound but well-balanced. Intense, concentrated, and lengthy. This large-scaled effort needs 5-7 years of cellaring, and should be at its best from 2015 to 2030.

Ossian Blanco 2006 88

The 2006 Ossian Blanco is sourced from an organically farmed vineyard with pre-phylloxera 180-year-old Verdejo vines. Medium straw-colored, the nose is subdued although citrus notes can be discerned. Smooth-textured, ripe, and tasty, the wine lacks complexity and length. Given the compelling story, I wanted to like this wine more.

Pazo de Senorans Albarino 2006 92

Pazo de Senorans is always a candidate for Albarino of the vintage. The grapes are sourced from the lowest-yielding, oldest vines in Rias Baixas. The wine is tank-fermented in small vats, and aged on fine lees with batonnage. Light gold-colored, it offers up a fragrant aromatic array of spring flowers, peach, citrus, and lemon meringue. Crisp, focused, and intensely flavored, it should be consumed now and over the next 3 years.

Pazo de Senorans "Seleccion de Anada" 2003 93

The 2003 Seleccion de Anada is aged sur-lie for 3 years. Fresh, intense, and showing no age, this light gold-colored wine exhibits notes of lemon curd, jasmine, and citrus. Forward, seamless, balanced, and crisp, it will provide much pleasure over the next 1-2 years.

Vinas de el Regejal "El Regejal" 2006 92

The 2006 El Regejal is 45% Tempranillo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, and 10% Merlot. Opaque purple in color, the wine reveals a nose of cedar, spice box, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry. Layered, ripe, and firmly structured, this nicely balanced, meaty wine will evolve for 2-3 years and provide pleasure through 2020.

Celler del Roure "Maduresa" 2005 91

The 2005 Muduresa is a blend of the nearly extinct Mando, Monastrell, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot aged for 12 months in French oak. Purple-colored, the wine delivers an enticing nose of cedar, smoke, leather, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a firm, structured, flavorful wine with 3-4 years of aging potential. Balanced, spicy, and with very good length, it will be at its best from 2012 to 2020.

Las Rocas Garnacha 91

The grapes for Las Rocas are sourced from high altitude 70- to 100-year-old Garnacha vineyards. The 2006 Las Rocas Garnacha is dark crimson-colored with an alluring nose of spice box, mineral, black cherry, and black raspberry. Smooth-textured, round, and with no hard edges, this tasty effort is designed for immediate gratification. This is one worth buying by the case.

Bodegas Sierra Salinas "Casa Mira" 2005 93

The 2005 Mira is 65% Monastrell, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Garnacha Tintorera aged in 60-70% new French oak. Deep crimson-colored, the wine has an excellent bouquet of pain grille, mineral/creosote, black cherry, and blueberry. This leads to a smooth-textured, focused, elegant effort with ample spicy fruit, very good depth and breadth, and a long, pure finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years.

Bodegas Sierra Salinas "1237" 2004 95

The 1237 is 50% Garnacha Tintorera and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Purple/black-colored, the nose offers up wood smoke, toasty oak, crushed stone, violets, black cherry, black raspberry, and black currants. Plush, layered, and focused, the wine is intense, concentrated, and well-balanced. It has enough stuffing to evolve for several years but can be enjoyed now.

Sitios de Bodega "V3" 91

The 2006 V3 is 100% old-vine Verdejo with vines ranging from 80-110 years. The 3Vs represent “Vinhos Viejo Verdejo”. Light gold-colored, it offers up an attractive, leesy nose accompanied by peach, apricot, and citrus. Crisp and lively on the palate, it has an abundance of flavor and a lengthy finish. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.

Vinas de la Vega del Duero "Quinta Sardonia" 2005 94

This new estate is just beyond the western border of Ribera del Duero where Abadia Retuerta is located. Peter Sisseck is a co-owner and the vineyard is farmed biodynamically. The wine is a glass-coating opaque purple. It offers up a splendid concoction of toasty oak, crushed stone, floral notes, spice box, and wild black fruits. This leads to a forward, friendly wine with lots of juicy flavor, excellent depth, and an altogether hedonistic personality. Already exhibiting complexity, this wine will continue to evolve but few will be able to resist its seductions for very long.

Vermunver "Genesi" 2005 91

Only 5000 bottles were produced of the 2005 Genesi, a blend of 70% Garnacha and 30% Carinena sourced from vines ranging in age from 60-80 years. The wine spent 12 months in seasoned French and Hungarian oak. Deep crimson-colored, the wine offers up an enticing concoction of cedar, tobacco, balsamic, blueberry, and red cherry. On the palate gamey notes emerge along with a wine of excellent depth and balance. It will evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now and over the next 8-10 years.

Vila Viniteca "Paisajes V" 2005 94

The 2005 Paisajes V is 40% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Graciano, and 10% Mazuelo aged for 14 months in new Allier barrels. It delivers a classic perfume of pain grille, mineral, cassis, and blackberry. Well-delineated on the palate, it is rich and layered with gobs of sweet fruit already beginning to exhibit complexity. This opulent, hedonistic effort will improve in the bottle for several years and drink at its peak from 2012 to 2025.

Vila Viniteca "Paisajes VII" 2005 92

The 2005 Paisajes VII is 100% Garnacha sourced from a single, 85-year-old vineyard. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up an alluring bouquet of toast, smoke, pencil lead, and black cherry. This leads to a plush, layered, spicy wine with excellent depth and breadth. It will evolve for several years and be at its best between 2012 and 2020.

Vila Viniteca "Paisajes VIII" 2005 92

The 2005 Paisajes VIII is 100% Tempranillo from a single vineyard in the village where Finca Allende is located. Vine age ranges from 60-70 years. The wine was aged for 14 months in new Allier barrels and bottled without fining or filtration. Purple-hued, it reveals an enticing perfume of toast, spice box, cassis, and blackberry. It has an excellent core of fruit with layers of spicy flavor leading to a long, pure finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 8-10 years.

Finca Villacreces Tinto 2005 93

The 2005 Tinto is 86% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Merlot which went through malolactic fermentation in barrel and remained in French oak for another 16 months. Purple-colored, the aromatics reveal notes of mocha, coffee, smoke, violets, spice box, wild cherry, and blackberry. Smooth-textured, layered, and well-balanced, this superb effort will continue to evolve for several years and drink well through 2025.

Finca Villacreces "Nebro" 2005 98

Nebro cuvee is produced only in exceptional vintages. Nebro is the name of the site of the estate’s oldest Tempranillo located 3 meters from Vega Sicilia. The 2005 Nebro is 100% Tempranillo from tiny yields of under 1 ton per acre. Malolactic occurred in barrel and the wine remained in oak for 18 months. The wine is a glass-coating opaque purple with a flamboyant bouquet of mocha, coffee, spice box, floral notes, and wild blackberry. More powerful than the Tinto, it will profit from 6-8 years of additional cellaring. Opulent, mouth-filling, and rich, the wine is a tour de force. It will be at its best from 2015 to 2035.

La Vinya del Vuit "El 8" 94

This micro-cuvee of 2000 bottles takes its name from the eight member partnership. The wine is 95% Carinena and 5% Garnacha exhibiting a splendid perfume of earth, mineral, tar, rose petals, blueberry, and cherry. The wine is surprisingly Barolo-like with a long finish and 5-7 years of cellaring potential. It will show at its best from 2012 to 2025.