Finca Sandoval Finca Sandoval 2021 750ml

The 2021 Finca Sandoval follows the path of the impressive 2020, with an exuberant Syrah nose, all violets, tar, smoked bacon fat and hints of orange peel. This is a blend of 80% Syrah, 10% Bobal and 5% each Moravia Agria and Touriga Nacional. The Syrah is the first they harvest, from the higher part of the vineyard with low-yielding clones that deliver small clusters. It fermented with 50% full clusters, indigenous yeasts and 15 days of maceration, and it matured in a 5,000-liter oak foudre. It has 13.5% alcohol, with full development of aromas and flavors, tight and vertical, a medium-bodied palate and very fine and elegant tannins. It’s super perfumed and elegant, with structure, balanced and super fresh and tasty with lots of energy and an ethereal twist. This is the finest vintage to date. 6,300 bottles were filled in January 2022.

I also tasted the 2020 Finca Sandoval, which is 80% Syrah from their best plots with 15% Bobal and 5% Moravia Agria that give it more freshness. It fermented with 40% full clusters and matured in large oak foudre for 18 months. This is very northern Rhône Syrah, with intense varietal aromas of violets, dark berries, smoked bacon, tapenade and a touch of tar, à la Gonon. It’s juicy, powerful and balanced, with very fine tannins, combining concentration with elegance. This has to be the finest Finca Sandoval and one of the purest expressions of Syrah in Spain. Bravo! 8,200 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2022. (Luis Gutiérrez)