The 2009 Pardas Aspriu is a pure Cabernet Franc from the single vineyard, “La Barraca.” It is fermented in concrete tanks and is aged for 14 months in French oak. The bouquet is very intense with small dark cherries and boysenberry fruit, although I would argue that it fails to express the varietal characteristics. Fortunately, that is more evident on the palate, which has fine tannins and ripe, vanilla-tinged black fruit as well as hints of cassis and citrus lemon. It is very well-crafted and has fine symmetry, but perhaps it needs more personality? Two very fine wines were tasted from Pardas, whose tagline is: “On our stage, the grape is the star.” Minimal intervention is the name of the game, and I appreciated the care evident here. Importer: Perman Wine Selections, IL; tel. (312) 666-4417