The 2001 Amancio is a loaded offering from a first-class vintage. The aromatics are quite developed thanks to its bottle age and the tannins are nicely integrated. This impeccably balanced, elegant, layered wine should have a 30-35 year lifespan. Bodegas Sierra Cantabria is another outstanding Rioja estate owned and operated by the Eguren family. The highlight of my visit in May, 2010 was a vertical of their two renowned single vineyard wines, Amancio and Finca El Bosque. Not to be overlooked is their complete portfolio of new releases, several of which are superb values. The Amancio cuvee comes from a single vineyard of the same name. There is a severe triage in the vineyard before the grapes reach the sorting table. It spends 24 months in new French oak using a “200% new oak” aging regimen before bottling without fining or filtration. The Finca El Bosque Vineyard is a 4 acre parcel of Tempranillo planted on gravel in 1973. The wine is put through ML in new oak and spends 18 months in new, mostly French oak. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

A ravishing red wine. Dominates the palate, with muscular tannins and mouthfilling flavors of plum, blackberry, coffee and dark chocolate. It has it all: superripe fruit, lavish oak, heady alcohol and a finish that just won't quit. Quite a departure from the bashful elegance of traditional Rioja. Drink now through 2015. 200 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add