The 2007 Amancio, tasted from a barrel sample, is a glass-coating opaque purple/black color which delivers an expansive aromatic array of pain grille, fresh asphalt, incense, Asian spices, blackberry, and black cherry. On the palate it shows off a suave personality with the oak well-integrated behind layers of plush fruit. Very intense and exceptionally lengthy, it will benefit from 6-8 years of additional cellaring and drink well from 2018 to 2032 if not longer. (Not yet released) Bodegas Sierra Cantabria is another outstanding Rioja estate owned and operated by the Eguren family. The highlight of my visit in May, 2010 was a vertical of their two renowned single vineyard wines, Amancio and Finca El Bosque. Not to be overlooked is their complete portfolio of new releases, several of which are superb values. The Amancio cuvee comes from a single vineyard of the same name. There is a severe triage in the vineyard before the grapes reach the sorting table. It spends 24 months in new French oak using a “200% new oak” aging regimen before bottling without fining or filtration. The Finca El Bosque Vineyard is a 4 acre parcel of Tempranillo planted on gravel in 1973. The wine is put through ML in new oak and spends 18 months in new, mostly French oak. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

This powerful red is a blunt instrument now, displaying solid tannins and a thick texture, but there's a deep core of currant and fig, with mineral, sanguine and licorice notes, and this should bloom with time. Best after 2011. 66 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add