2004 Finca Sandoval Manchuela
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Tasting notes
(84% syrah, 9% monastrell and 7% bobal) Dark violet. Inky, powerful, brooding nose opens slowly to show sexy, intense floral and oak spice-inflected notes of cassis, blackberry and cherry. Wonderfully perfumed and exotic, with strong mineral accenting the deep dark fruit flavors; complementary notes of bitter chocolate, violet and cola add interest. This would be a great ringer in a tasting of big-time-and far more expensive-Northern Rhone wines. Finishes with superb intensity, sweetness, clarity and length, with lingering notes of candied licorice, graphite and exotic spices.
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Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
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The brilliant 2004 Finca Sandoval (83% Syrah, 9% Monastrell, and 8% Bobal) is produced from a vineyard situated on a plateau at 2250 feet elevation. Consequently, there is an unexpected freshness and uplift to this cuvee. Aged completely in French oak for 11 months, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as a full-bodied, scorched earth character reminiscent of a French Graves. Sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, underlying minerality, silky tannin, and a textured, rich mouthfeel suggest this beautiful wine should drink well for a decade or more.