2005 J.C. Conde Neo Christina
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Tasting notes
(100% tempranillo raised in 200% new oak) Inky ruby. Pungent, exotically scented bouquet of bright red and dark berries, Asian spices, gingerbread and smoky minerals. Deeply concentrated raspberry and blueberry flavors coat the palate, with suave minerality and cinnamon and nutmeg notes contributing brightness. Picks up licorice and mocha nuances on the finish, which leaves a strong note of bitter cherry skin behind. Very nicely balanced wine with the sex appeal to allow for early drinking.
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Josh Raynolds
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
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The 2005 Neo Christina was produced from a single vineyard of 90- to 95-year-old Tinto Fino vines with microscopic yields. It was aged for 13 months in new French oak for 13 months before being racked into another set of new French oak for an additional 9 months (the so-called “200% new oak” treatment). Dense purple/black in color, it offers up a brooding perfume of toasty new oak, slate, floral notes, espresso, licorice, and blackberry liqueur. This leads to a large-scaled, back-strapping wine with big fruit and full tannin. The wine appears to have the balance for a long and graceful evolution but your patience and your youth will be required. It should reach its peak drinking window by 2020 and continue to provide pleasure through 2035. Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (571) 642-0343