The 2009 La Lloptera is a pure Pinot Noir. It is very tight on the nose upon first pouring, unfurling with earthy, clay-tinged aromas and fine definition. Brooding and enigmatic, it offers a touch of Provencal herbs with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with a surprisingly firm grip, the fruit remaining in the background and driven by earthy, minty dark fruits and a clean, fresh finish. Drink now-2016. I am uncertain whether the wines of this Conca de Barbera estate continue to be imported into the United States. Having tasted the wines in the UK, they should be. Escoda-Sanahuja produces natural wines under biodynamic principles along a closed system, i.e., there are horses, cows and poultry running around and “doing their bit.” The wines are unfiltered, not fined or stabilized and no sulphur is used. Having worked in the trade, I am fully aware of the issues faced when customers return bottles that have oxidized, so I can only report on the bottles that I tasted myself, which were generally outstanding and individualistic. Winemaker Joan Escoda’s wines are not for everybody’s taste, but I found them endlessly fascinating and the bottom line is...they were delicious. Importer: Jonas Gustafsson, Vin de Terra Imports, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 731-2058; www.indigowine.com in the UK.