2007 Vina Magana - Baron de Magana

(50% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 20% syrah): Vivid ruby-red. Sexy aromas of cherry-vanilla, red berry preserves, sassafras, dried rose and fruitcake. Supple red and dark berry flavors are complicated by anise and Asian spice notes and firmed by supple tannins. Thecherry and floral notes cling on the aftertaste with impressive tenacity.

A sensational offering from Navarra, the 2007 Baron de Magana is an intriguing blend of 35% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Tempranillo and 10% Syrah aged 14 months in primarily new oak. As its composition suggests, it is somewhat Bordeaux like with lots of black currant and cherry fruit intermixed with notions of forest, underbrush and barrique. Full-bodied, dense, rich and intense, this impressive red can be drunk over the next 7-8 years. Wine Advocate.August, 2012