Camphor and plenty of balsamic aromas emerge from the glass of the 2010 Altolandón, a blend of Syrah, Garnacha and Cabernet Franc fermented with natural yeasts and matured in used barrels for eight months. It also has some notes of leather and Chinese ink plus ripe black fruit and some hay, straw and notes of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with some grainy tannin, good balance and freshness for a ripe vintage like 2010. This is powerful red for hearty winter dishes. 25,000 bottles.

The 2004 Altolandon marks the debut of this wine sourced from an organically farmed, cool-climate vineyard. The wine was aged for 12 months in a mixture of French and American oak. The wine is 50% Syrah with the balance consisting of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Garnacha. Purple/black in color, it offers up a brooding nose of pepper, grilled meat, sausage, blueberry and black currant. Tightly wound but dense and layered, the wine is slightly compact in the finish. If this wine continues to evolve, my score will appear conservative. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565