Unfortunately the 2010 Masia Serra Gneis showed so overoaked that that it was impossible to get past the wood. Other than woody character, the palate also felt overripe and astringent.

The 2004 Gneis is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Garnacha and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 14 months in French Allier oak. It has a well-defined, clean nose with dark chocolate-tinged red fruit and a touch of mint that echoes a decent Saint Emilion. There are hints of mushroom developing, but due to bottle age rather than winemaking technique. The palate offers a grainy texture on the entry with high-toned dark cherry fruit, although the tannins begin to protrude towards the finish, which is drier than expected. I suspect this was better 2-3 years ago, but it continues to offer pleasure and should be considered a respectable effort for a Merlot-dominated wine. Importer: Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 495-3811

The 2003 Gneis is redolent of fresh herbs and olives along with floral notes and assorted black fruits. Thick, full-bodied, and with tannin to lose, this rich effort bring plenty of power to the table but not much finesse. Give it another 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it through 2018. Importer: Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 495-3811 and Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (571) 642-0343

From a fabulous vintage, the 2001 Masia Serra Gneis was cropped at 27 hectoliters per hectare, and after a long maceration, spent 18 months, a la Bordeaux, in French oak before being bottled without filtration. This seriously-endowed Spanish red boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, high quality cigar smoke, roasted coffee, and sweet cassis and cherry fruit. Dense, full-bodied, and powerful, with abundant quantities of sweet, well-integrated tannin, this beauty can be enjoyed now or cellared for a decade. Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (703) 249-8028

Tea, spice and raisin flavors mingle in this maturing, traditional-style red. Supple, yet the finish is firm. Drink now. 625 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Empordà - Costa Brava Select to Add