The 2007 Tempranillo, made from a grape variety that generally does not travel well from its northern Spain origins, was aged in seasoned French barriques. It offers up a fragrant nose of cedar, leather, mineral, cassis, and black cherry. This leads to an elegant, medium-bodied wine buttressed by vibrant acidity, excellent balance, and a lengthy, pure finish. This Ribera del Duero look-alike will offer prime drinking from 2010 to 2018. Samuel’s Gorge is the project of the talented Justin McNamee.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 278-9095