The outstanding 2009 Pago La Garduna is 100% Syrah and is endowed with an intense bouquet: macerated dark cherries, glycerine, cassis and a judicious veneer of new oak. The palate is full-bodied with silky smooth tannins and superb focus. It exudes great purity, deftly combining finesse and power. This is a stylish, sophisticated Syrah that will repay extended cellaring. Drink 2014-2028. Abadia Retuerta is located just outside the DO of Ribera del Duero. It was once part of the Vega Sicilia estate and was revived when a Swiss pharmaceutical company purchased the land in 1991. They own 210 hectares of vineyard dispersed over 54 plots interpolated with pine forest, and the wines are vinified in a state-of-the-art winery. The premium wines spend 14 to 18 months in French and American oak (64% and 36% respectively).Importer: Christopher Cannan; www.europvin.com