The 2009 Celia Vizcarra comes from 57-year-old vines in Mambrilla de Castrejon and is blended with 7% Garnacha, then raised in new 400-liter barrels for 18 months. It has a dense, very pure bouquet with dark cherries, blueberry and a hint of violet that blossoms nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation: silky smooth with red cherries, blueberry and orange zest that leads to a refined, caressing finish where the oak is in synch with the fruit. Very fine. Drink 2013-2020.
The estate was founded in 1991 by Juan Carlos Vizcarra Ramos, whose father was a pioneer in planting vines in Ribera del Duero. They exploit 35 hectares of mainly bush vines of Tino Fino accompanied by one hectare of Merlot and a smattering of other varieties that are intended to give their wines their own unique personalities. In 2007 they completed the construction of a gravity-fed winery. The three wines that I tasted are all very good, though to be honest, their price tags left me smarting.
Importer: Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; www.oleimports.com