2006 Quinta Sardonia Vino de la Tierra Castilla y León
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The deep crimson-colored 2006 Quinta Sardonia gives up an aromatic array of cedar, Asian spices, incense, and blackberry. Savory and supple on the palate, it has enough underlying structure to evolve for 2-3 years and should be at its best from 2012 to 2026. The estate’s full name is Vinas de la Vega del Duero but all you need to remember is Quinta Sardonia. Located in Sardon del Duero, just outside the Ribera del Duero demarcation line but close enough for inclusion in this report, Quinta Sardonia is a biodynamic project from Peter Sisseck (of Pingus fame) and Jerome Bougnaud. The estate has about 37 acres under vine planted in 2000. The wine is typically composed of a blend of roughly 50% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec with aging for 18 months in French oak. It is already being proclaimed by some as Spain’s next cult wine. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Quinta Sardonia, sourced from a zone just beyond the western border of Ribera del Duero, was produced from biodynamically farmed grapes. It is worth noting that Peter Sisseck of Dominio Pingus is a co-owner of the project. The wine is a blend of 36% Tinto Fino, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the balance Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It exhibits a complex perfume of wood smoke, pencil lead, truffle, black currant, and blackberry. Youthful, dense, and structured on the palate, this intensely flavored wine has exceptional length and aging potential. Its drinking window will extend from 2014 to 2026. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
45% Tinto Fino, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. Fresh and peppery on the nose, bright fruit and a hint of sweet violets and herbs. Very intense and mouth-threatening vivacity. Pretty grippy tannins. A mouthful but not heavy. Just a bit warm on the finish, hardly surprising given its 15.5% alcohol. (JH)