2005 Quinta Sardonia Vino de la Tierra Castilla y León
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The 2005 Quinta Sardonia has a slightly roasted character, extra layers of spicy fruit, outstanding concentration, rich, succulent flavors, and lots of power. Give it 5-7 years in the cellar and drink it from 2016 to 2030. 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
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Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
This new estate is just beyond the western border of Ribera del Duero where Abadia Retuerta is located. Peter Sisseck is a co-owner and the vineyard is farmed biodynamically. The wine is a glass-coating opaque purple. It offers up a splendid concoction of toasty oak, crushed stone, floral notes, spice box, and wild black fruits. This leads to a forward, friendly wine with lots of juicy flavor, excellent depth, and an altogether hedonistic personality. Already exhibiting complexity, this wine will continue to evolve but few will be able to resist its seductions for very long. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
50% Tempranillo, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Lots of sweet spicy oak. Clean and tight with a savoury finish but trying too hard at the moment – vines are only 5 years old so probably need slightly less ambitious winemaking at this stage. (JH)
Inky violet. Deep, smoky raspberry and cherry compote aromas are enlivened by zesty minerals and fresh rose. Powerful dark berry flavors are sweetened by suave vanillin oak and firmed by dusty tannins. Turns spicier on the long, red fruit-dominated finish, which delivers excellent clarity and persistence.