The deep crimson-colored 2007 Finca Sandoval is made up of 79% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, and 8% Bobal made entirely from estate-grown fruit. The wine was aged for 11 months in new and seasoned French and American oak. It offers up a brooding bouquet of underbrush, mineral, spice box, blueberry, and blackberry. Packed and impeccably balanced, this savory, layered effort is surprisingly forward for its size. It can be approached now but will be better with 2-3 years of additional cellaring. Finca Sandoval is the Manchuela estate of distinguished journalist Victor de la Serna. Some readers may know of Senor de la Serna through his contributions to the Parker Bulletin Board where he often sets the record straight on Spanish wines. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Shows a pure beam of briary blackberry, black cherry and spice flavors, accented by hints of vanilla and dried herbs. The supple tannins frame the wine, while juicy acidity enlivens it. There's good concentration, in a more elegant package. Drink now through 2014. 250 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Manchuela Select to Add

Bulky, dark, saturated and leathery on the nose, and then a little salty and edgy in the mouth, with a streak of zingy acidity along with roasted, tangy, thick blackberry flavors. Really good for the price but not as expressive, ripe and flavorful as the 2007 Salia or the higher-end Finca Sandoval; drink now through 2014.——M.S.(7/1/2011)—— 89