Alto Landon, Manchuela (Spain) 2004

Deep purple/red.

Sexy oak, hint of coconut and creamy nose that reminds me (a bit) of the Marquis-Philips wines from Oz. More restraint here, though, with a black fruit character that is deep, but not confectionary.

Much tighter in the mouth, with fairly strong acidity making an immediate impression, as does a cinnamon (oak) note. In fact, it's hard to find any fruit. The dominant impression is one of acid-driven constriction. We'll see what air time does.

60% Syrah/40% Merlot (?)

$35