2019 Quinta Sardonia (Castilla)

Brockman`s blackberry gin, cigar-box, sunbaked stones, cassis and dusty dirt roads - the blend of dark fruit and wood-smoke make this a classic Ribera-style wine, although Quinta Sardonia choose to forego the appellation. Created by Peter Sisseck (of Pingus fame), owned by the Fonseca family, the estate is located on the northern bank of the Ribera, just fifteen minutes drive downriver from Vega Sicilia. This is their flagship; 50% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, balance Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, 18 months in French oak. (JH 24/10/2024)