1999 Pago de Santa Cruz Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
Ruby-red. Sexy, expansive aromas of cherry-vanilla, blueberry, spicecake and potpourri. Lush, palate-coating dark fruit flavors display liqueur-like depth and sweetness but are unexpectedly energetic, with notes of zesty minerals and candied flowers adding complexity. The floral note resonates on the endless, juicy, sharply focused finish. Sastre thinks that when this wine is mature, "in about 10 or 15 more years," it will smell and taste a lot like a Barolo.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Made only in top vintages, the 1999 Pago Santa Cruz Gran Reserva was aged in seasoned oak for 34 months. It sports aromas of tar, licorice, lavender, Asian spices, and blackberry that lead to a structured, full-bodied, layered wine. With savory flavors, excellent volume and grip, and a lengthy, pure finish, it merits another 5-7 years of cellaring to optimally express itself. Vina Sastre is a benchmark estate in Ribera del Duero. It is committed to organic farming and biodynamic principles with the wines naturally made and bottled without fining or filtration. Importer: Andre Tamers, De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, NC; www.demaisonselections.com
Made only in top vintages, the 1999 Pago Santa Cruz Gran Reserva was aged in seasoned oak for 34 months. It sports aromas of tar, licorice, lavender, Asian spices, and blackberry that lead to a structured, full-bodied, layered wine. With savory flavors, excellent volume and grip, and a lengthy, pure finish, it merits another 5-7 years of cellaring to optimally express itself. Jay Miller, Wine Advocate # 188 Apr 2010