Rich and toasty on the nose, showing fine-tuned interplay between the saturated blackberry and black currant fruit (both ripe and baked), the savory layers of herbed green olive, fragrant wood smoke, tar and espresso. Full-bodied and full-throttle, this nevertheless shows good equilibrium throughout, with sculpted, fine-grained tannins and all the components amped up to the same volume. Drink now through 2032. 375 cases made, 40 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Vi?o de la Tierra de Castilla y León Select to Add

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

The 2006 Pago Garduna is 100% Syrah aged in barrel for 20 months. Purple/black in color, its nose reveals sandalwood, bacon, smoked meat, Asian spices, and blueberry compote. Thick, rich, and succulent, this large-scaled but well-balanced offering will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring and be at its peak from 2014 to 2026. Abadia Retuerta is an excellent winery located just outside of the Ribera del Duero demarcation line.Importer: Kobrand; www.kobrandwine.com

Nothing if not stout and fruity. This is a big, modern Syrah with a mountain’s worth of plum, berry and currant character on the nose, palate and finish. The acidity is a bit jagged and amplified, which creates some crispness, tension and pop. But overall it’s a burly specimen that despite 20 months in oak does not taste woody. Drink or hold until 2012. Imported by Kobrand.——M.S.(10/1/2009)—— 90