The unfiltered 2009 Salia is a blend of 49% Syrah, 30% Garnacha Tintorera and 21% Garnacha Tinta that was aged nearly a year in a combination of French and American oak. This outstanding, full-bodied, fleshy red offers up notes of kirsch, black cherries, black currants and licorice intermixed with loamy soil undertones. It is an impressive, ridiculously low priced beauty that 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

Well-integrated, this subtle, lightly tangy red offers flavors of cassis, persimmon and sweetbread, with hints of salumi and graphite. Moderate finish. Drink now. 500 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Manchuela Select to Add