2009 Vina Pedrosa Reserva

Bright ruby. Complex aromas of dried cherry, licorice, pipe tobacco and cola, plus a subtle smoky nuance. Sappy and velvety in the mouth, offering intense dark fruit preserve flavors that gain power and spiciness with aeration. Shows sexy floral pastille and spicecake notes on the back end, finishing with very good breadth and a hint of vanilla.

The 2009 Vina Pedrosa Reserva is a blend of 90% Tinta Fino and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon around 40 to 45 years old, raised for 24 months in oak barrel (French and American). The nose is reticent at first, but unfurls nicely to reveal pure raspberry coulis, dark chocolate, fresh tobacco and black currant pastilles. The palate is medium-bodied with a sorbet-like freshness on the entry: vibrant red cherries and fresh strawberry intermingle with blood orange and apricot. The finish is well mannered with crisp acidity and long persistency, strawberry pastilles lingering on the aftertaste. This is very fine indeed and again, should age over several years. Drink 2014-2025. I visited Bodegas Hermanos Perez Pascuas on an idyllic, tranquil evening as the sun was going down. It was founded in 1980 by the three Pascuas brothers: Benjamin, Manuel and Adolfo. They informed me that they prefer longer macerations in order to obtain minerality in their wines. All fruit is from their own vineyards, around 135 hectares, planted with 90% Tempranillo. Everything is picked by hand. Importer: Think Global Wines, Santa Barbara, CA.