The 2009 Sinforiano Crianza comes from three parcels around Mucientes – clay and limestone soils with a high stone content. It sees 14 months in American and French oak. It has a clean, uncomplicated bouquet of black plum, raspberry coulis and minerals, though you get the sense that it just needs to “l(fā)et go” a little in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and fleshy in the mouth. It is missing a little tension and structure towards the finish, although it should offer immediate drinking pleasure with its licorice-tinged finish. Drink now-2015. Importer: Bon Vivant Imports; www.bonvivantimports.com

The 2007 Sinforiano was sourced from 80 year old vines and aged for 13 months in French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits a brooding aromatic array of wood smoke, mineral, espresso, lavender, and black fruit compote. It has plenty of underlying structure, savory flavors, and excellent length. It will continue to blossom for another 1-2 years and offer prime drinking from 2011 to 2019. Bodegas Sinforiano was founded in 1966 and its family vineyards are all Tinto del Pais (Tempranillo) bush vines ranging in age from 40-120 years.Importer: Brad Jensen, Bon Vivant Imports; www.bonvivantimports.com