The 2008 Casa de Illana Seleccion is a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah from Finca Buenavista, Pozoamargo and Cuenca that sees 18 months in new French oak. The nose is a little pinched with tightly wound black cherry, licorice and fig. The palate is quite tannic on the entry, with sweet tannins towards the clean finish. Another few months might benefit this wine, but at the moment it needs more personality. Drink 2014-2017.
Unfortunately, some of the samples from Illana were rather reductive (for example, the Casa de Illana Tradition 2007.)
Importer: Casa Ventura Imports, Bellingham, WA; tel. (360) 303-1760