There are 8,500 cases of the unfined, unfiltered, prodigious 2001 Solanera, a blend of 70% ungrafted, old vine Monastrell, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a custom cuvee specifically bottled for the American importer, Eric Solomon. It spent nearly a year in French oak, 20% of which was new. Its opaque, inky purple color is followed by glorious aromas of blue and blackberries intermixed with graphite, minerals, smoke, and scorched earth. It is splendidly concentrated and full-bodied, with no hard edges. This extraordinary wine can be drunk now, and over the next 6-8 years. This is a cutting edge effort from one of Spain's backwater, but soon to be famous appellations.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565