The 2004 Amancio is a step above the 2005. It offers a nose which is already sexy and complex with expressive spice, wild flowers, and dark fruit aromas. Plush, bordering on voluptuous on the palate, it will continue to blossom for another 3-4 years and drink well through 2029. Collectors will no doubt enjoy comparing these 2 vintages in another 10-12 years. 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

This powerful red shows assertive, mouthfilling tannins, but still delivers intense, dark flavors of cassis, bitter chocolate, tobacco and mineral. Brooding and a bit clumsy now, but this is concentrated and long. Best after 2009. 67 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add