2010 Pie Franco

The 2010 Pie Franco is a pure Bobal from ungrafted 65- and 85-year old vines. It delivers a very well defined, animally bouquet of Provencal herbs, fennel and lavender. The palate is medium-bodied with fine taut tannins and pure dark berry fruit laced with white pepper and Asian spice. The finish is taut and focused, like a cool climate southern Rhone red. Excellent. Drink now-2020+. I have adored the wines of Bodegas Ponce for two or three years now. Juan Antonio Ponce traveled through France learning his trade and picking up biodynamic techniques on the way. These are brilliant, expressive, vibrant, life affirming wines that brim over with character as well as a sense of place. Importers: T Edward Wines Ltd. (212) 233-1504; and www.indigowine.co.uk in the UK.