The 2009 Signo Bobal (a blend of 90% Bobal and 10% Syrah) may be the finest Bobal-based wine I have ever had. It was bottled without fining or filtration after spending time in mostly French and some American oak. It boasts a dense purple color along with wonderful sweet, jammy strawberry and black cherry notes intermixed with floral, licorice, graphite and spice characteristics. This dense red reveals a terrific texture as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel, yet it is light on its feet. This amazing Bobal should drink well for 3-4 years. These are two less expensive offerings from the famous journalist and wine producer, Victor de la Serna. I and my two colleagues, Jay Miller and Neal Martin, have previously written about Sandoval’s more expensive wines. These two value-priced efforts are both impressive. Importer: Value Wines from Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA, tel. (781) 461-5767; Fax (781) 461-2570; www.jorgeordonez.com

Creamy, with rich flavors of crème de cassis, black cherry coulis, pekoe tea, bresaola and espresso. Lightly juicy and aromatic throughout, showing refined tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 500 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Manchuela Select to Add