The 2009 Amancio comes from the same vineyard site and experiences the same upbringing as the 2008. Tasting the wine, 2009 is more open and approachable than 2008. The nose combines notes of leather, licorice, warm stones and ripe black fruit. The palate shows a big tannic structure, well-coated by ripe, juicy fruit, and good acidity. A profound and authentic wine. Drink 2014-2027. I tasted through the portfolio of three wineries belonging to the Eguren family and realized they were constantly mentioning that the wines were fermented with “yeast coming from their own vineyard,” so I queried winemaker Marcos Eguren what that really meant. It turns out that they have been carrying out an extensive study of the natural yeasts in their vineyards and found that 99% of the existing yeasts were non-saccharomyces. They have isolated two or three of this non-saccharomyces yeasts and a saccharomyces from their own vineyards which are subsequently used for the fermentation of their wines. These yeasts are kept at -80o C at the Navarra University, which is part of this research to avoid changes and mutations from happening. The study has not yet concluded. These are the wines from the Sierra Cantabria winery in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, which were extremely impressive and pure. Imported by Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Toast, cola and chocolate flavors frame a core of black cherry fruit in this generous red. The plush texture is backed by well-integrated tannins, kept lively by just enough tannins. Rich, in the modern style. Drink now through 2018. 100 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add