The flagship offering (or as Victor de la Serna says, their vin de garde) is the 2001 Sandoval, a blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Mourvedre that was aged primarily in French oak, of which 55% was new. Its dense saturated purple color is accompanied by a lovely perfume of camphor, licorice, black currants, blackberries, and subtle hints of sweet toast. Layered and medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannin, and a long, concentrated finish, this impressive 2001 will drink well between 2005-2012. Additionally, it is realistically priced. This is the debut release from the respected Spanish writer and bon vivant Victor de la Serna. This offering emerges from young Syrah vineyards planted with stock grown at the Chateauneuf du Pape nursery of Chateau Beaucastel. This operation has been extremely well thought out, and is aimed at producing the highest quality wine possible. This impressive 2001 effort was produced from dense plantations of 3,030 vines per hectare, from yields of 19 hectoliters per hectare (crop-thinning, leaf-pulling, etc. were employed). Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

This international-style red offers a saturated purple color, lots of toasty, smoky oak and a plush texture. Flavors lean toward chocolate and coffee, with notes of plum and mineral. Syrah and Mazuelo. Best from 2004 through 2009. 500 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Manchuela Select to Add