The Garnacha and Cariñena grapes are from 90+ year old vines, while Merlot comes from 17 year old vines. The grapes undergo a 48 hour pre-fermentation cold soak followed by temperature controlled fermentation between 84°F to 91°F in small stainless steel vats, and macerated for a 25-day period. Aged in 20% new and 80% 1 year old French Allier oak barrels for 9 months. Unfiltered.
91pts International Wine Cellar– 2009 vintage
Saturated ruby. Penetrating aromas of blackberry, licorice, smoky minerals and candied rose. Densely packed and lively on the palate, showing suave floral lift to its flavors of red berries, licorice pastille and spicecake. Smooth and appealingly sweet, with a fine dusting of tannins and very good mineral-driven persistence.
89pts Wine Spectator– 2009 vintage
This polished red offers smoky and gamy notes that frame cherry, black olive and licorice flavors, creating a savory, slightly austere character, while light tannins and firm acidity provide focus, leading to a minerally finish. Drink now through 2019.
89pts Wine Enthusiast– 2009 vintage
Aromas of brick dust, vitamins and baked fruits are gritty and require some navigating. This has a wiry, tight feel, yet in terms of flavors, it’s ripe almost to the point of being raisiny. Heat, hard tannins and dried berry fruit flavors direct the finish. Drink through 2017.
