2003 Dominio de Atauta Valdegatiles
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Tasting notes
(from a single vineyard of 100-year-old vines planted on sand) Good full ruby. Deep aromas of blackberry, minerals, espresso and roasted herbs. Superripe, creamy and dense, with mouthfilling flavors of blueberry, blackberry and chocolate, lifted by flowers and spices. Compellingly fat and sweet but almost magically firm-edged. Very broad finish features huge, strong, chocolatey tannins and palate-staining dark berries and spices. There were just six barriques made, of which two were new and four one year old. These wines really transcend the vintage in both quality and style. .
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Sadly, there are fewer than 100 cases of the 2003 Valdegatiles, which comes from 100+-year old, ungrafted vines planted in sandy soils. This amazing, exotic Spanish red possesses fabulous concentration as well an up-lifted bouquet of camphor, blackberry liqueur, smoke, and grilled meats. Full and rich, but also exceptionally pure and delineated, it is a remarkable achievement. It will drink well for 10-15 years. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484