It has a very dark cherry color with purple tones. In the nose it has powerful aromas of red berries, toasted and smoked notes from their aging in the oak barriques.

We selected the Monastrell grapes for this wine from 40-year old parels in our estate vineyards. Here shallow, chalky soils on a bed of limestone and rock, combined with an arid climate, produce the low yields required for wine of this complexity. After harvesting, the deep purple grapes are whole-cluster macerated sur lie for 25 days, and then pressed and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. The sun of the climate, soil, and vinification is a wine with rich color, abundant ripe fruit aromas, and a long, spicy, well-balanced finish.

Review

Wine Spectator Review: This polished red shows black cherry, licorice, mineral and tobacco notes, harmonious and deep, supported by firm tannins. Medium-bodied, well-integrated and stylish. Drink now through 2012. 5,000 cases made. –TM

Food pairing

Rices with meat, stewed meat, stewed vegetable, mushroom, poultry, sauces fish, smoked seafood, blue and cured cheese, red meat, roast and baked meat (lamb, pig, ox).