The 2007 Can Feixes Negre Tradicio (formerly “Negre Seleccio”) is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot aged for 12 months in oak with 20% new. The reticent nose is difficult to appraise, though with aeration it offers subtle iodine and even a little seaweed. The palate has a rather hard entry with unyielding, chalky tannins. Firm and masculine, the Cabernet Sauvignon lends it a sturdy backbone and a slightly austere finish. This is a well-made wine, albeit one that is rather aloof. Drink 2013-2017. I visited Can Feixes at the end of my day touring the region. It is a picturesque property located in the extreme northwest of Alt Penedes that dates back to the 15th century, a place suffused with an ecclesiastical atmosphere. Here there is a drier, more continental influence on the microclimate since it lies some 30 kilometers inland. Their focus is upon Parellada (known locally as “Montonec”), although the three brothers who run the 80-hectare estate also tend Macabeu, Chardonnay and Malvasia de Sitges. The emphasis for their dry whites is to “reflect the fruit character.” Unusually, their vineyard also contains a small amount of Malvasia. I appreciated their wines, but they do need time to open, so feel free to aerate or even decant the whites, as well as reds. Importer: WA; tel. (206) 297-6713

A tarry note blends with hints of black currant, tobacco and anise, while chewy tannins push through on the finish. Ull de Llebre, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.??–AN??Region: Spain / Penedès Select to Add