Blends of 60% Shiraz and 40% Mataro (Mourvedre), the 2004 and 2005 Landrace are both outstanding. The 2004 is more powerful (16.5% alcohol), but there is no raisiny, pruny, or over ripeness in evidence, which shows that thinking within strictly defined parameters of ripeness just simply does not make sense in many viticultural areas of the world, especially if you are comparing a New World vineyard to one from the Old World. The dense ruby/purple-colored 2004 Landrace exhibits notes of blueberries, damp earth, and sweet black truffles. It is a wine of great intensity, richness, body, and loads of glycerin and rich fruit that easily cover what I am sure are relatively elevated tannins. This wine should drink well for 10-15 years.
Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283