The 2009 Etim l’Esparver is a blend of 80-year-old Garnacha and Carinena grown on slate soil terraces at 450 meters altitude, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 20 months in oak barrels. The oak is quite evident in the nose and palate with notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, spices and smoke, a core of dark, ripe fruit and a palate dominated by astringent tannins and a note of bitter chocolate. 3,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2015-2018.
Agricola Falset-Marca is a cooperative producing an average of 900,000 bottles of well-crafted wines with some great value to be found in their portfolio, while the high end seems to be too dominated by the effect of the oak.
Various importers, including Tempranillo, New Rochelle, NY; tel. (617) 666-593 and Winebow Boston, Sommerville, MA; tel. (617) 666-5939