The 2004 El Puntido was sourced from its namesake vineyard planted in 1975. The wine was aged in new French oak for 18 months. Purple-colored, it offers an expressive nose of pain grille, pencil lead, scorched earth, black cherry, and blackberry. Firm and structured on the palate, this nicely balanced wine has ample spicy fruit but a slightly compressed finish. It has enough structure to evolve for 3-5 years and should drink well through 2020. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain; tel. (781) 461-5767

As expected, the wine exhibits a dense black color, with mineral, burnt toast and dark fruit on the bouquet. The flavor profile offers cured meat, leather, graphite and plenty of blackberry, mocha, caramel and coffee. Beautiful modern Rioja. 4,000 cases made. Imported by Tempranillo, Inc.——M.S.(9/1/2007)—— 96