The 2006 Finisterre is another full-bodied red that sweeps across the palate in stunning style. This blend of Syrah and Alicante offers up an intriguing array of black cherries, plums, grilled herbs, earthiness and tar that come together in brooding, powerful expression. Sweet notes of menthol and licorice linger on the long resonating finish. This is a terrific effort from Poggio Argentiera. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The 2005 Finisterre is a blend of Syrah and Alicante. It offers a lot of up-front density to its fruit, but then falls short on the mid-palate. Its brooding, backward personality remains, but there is something missing in terms of continuity and consistency. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Exotic spice, red fruit, herbal notes and cherry cola characterize this 50-50 blend of Alicante and Syrah. The wine delivers measured intensity but does boast deep freshness thanks to its acidity and menthol finish.——M.L.(4/1/2008)—— 90

This is a relatively new winery worth watching. This spicy Alicante-Syrah blend has wonderful intensity and weight, chewy tannins and solid black fruit in the mouth.——M.L.(4/1/2008)—— 89

The estate’s Finisterre is a blend of equal parts Syrah and Alicante (Grenache), made from very low yielding plants and then fermented and aged in barrique. The 2003 exhibits super-ripe, almost raisiny notes of blackberry jam, currants, chocolate, licorice and sweet toasted oak on a full-bodied, unctuous frame of great elegance. Made in an extreme style, it will appeal most to readers who enjoy very ripe wines. Tasted again a few hours later it had come into greater focus and seemed less over the top than my initial impression had led me to believe. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2015. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900