The 2008 Quinta Sardonia had just been bottled when I tasted it. Deep purple-colored, it gives up an excellent perfume of cedar, Asian spices, incense, mineral, black cherry, and blackcurrant. Flavorful, balanced and with some elegance, it has enough structure to merit several years of cellaring and should offer prime drinking from 2014 to 2028. (Not yet released) The estate’s full name is Vinas de la Vega del Duero but all you need to remember is Quinta Sardonia. Located in Sardon del Duero, just outside the Ribera del Duero demarcation line but close enough for inclusion in this report, Quinta Sardonia is a biodynamic project from Peter Sisseck (of Pingus fame) and Jerome Bougnaud. The estate has about 37 acres under vine planted in 2000. The wine is typically composed of a blend of roughly 50% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec with aging for 18 months in French oak. It is already being proclaimed by some as Spain’s next cult wine. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565