Rioja San Vicente, Senorio de San Vicente (Sierra Cantabria) 2001

This single-vineyard estate-bottled Rioja has been a consistent winner in recent vintages. Not surprisingly, in such a great year as 2001, it performed fabulously well. Aged 20 months in primarily French oak, and bottled unfiltered, it is Spain’s version of a top-flight Pomerol. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as an expressive bouquet of crushed red and black fruits, cedar, spice box, licorice, and smoked herbs. With great fruit, an opulent, full-bodied palate, tremendous purity as well as length, and abundant fruit and glycerin nearly concealing the moderate tannin, it should drink well for 8-10 years.