2000 Aalto PS Pagos Selecciónados

Garcia’s 2000 PS (100% Tempranillo from 60-70 year vineyards, and aged in French oak) is spectacular. Unfortunately, production is small, with 40% of it (400 cases) making it to the United States. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as a beautiful perfume of smoke, graphite, black and blueberries, minerals, and flowers. This is a young, full-bodied yet remarkably elegant, pure, impeccably well-balanced Spanish red with a finish that lasts for 50+ seconds. While accessible, it should not hit its peak for another 2-3 years, and will last for 12-15. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

(from 60-year-old tempranillo vines; P.S. stands for pagos seleccionados) Saturated dark ruby to the rim. Superripe aromas show a slightly porty quality: kirsch, black raspberry, clove and cough medicine. Then hugely sweet and rich, with firm acidity and solid mineral backbone giving vibrancy and definition to the black raspberry and espresso flavors. I picked up an intriguing suggestion of very old Calvados. Very long and firm on the aftertaste. Mariano Garcia, formerly winemaker at Vega Sicilia and the owner of Bodegas Mauro, is heavily involved in this new venture.