Just outside the boundaries of Ribera del Duero, Quinta Sardonia sits at 850m above sea level. It’s 17 ha in size, was planted in 1998, and is farmed biodynamically. There are 11 different soil types, mostly calcareous. The grapes in the QS are Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. In that order. During the summer the best clusters are earmarked, and the different varieties are co-fermented. On the palate it’s all roasted meat seasoned with spice, rose petals and milk chocolate; it’s one of the new breed of glossy, super-detailed Spanish wines. By way of pedigree let us mention that winemaker, Jerome, is ex-Pingus. If you’re looking for a bargain you should pay attention to Quinta Sardonia. Details Press Vintage: 2013 Format: 6 x 750ml Availability: In stock Country: Spain Region: Sardon del Duero Varietal(s): Tempranillo, and others PRESS: 94 POINTS, WINE ADVOCATE: The 2012 QS is approximately half Tempranillo with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 5% Syrah and a pinch of Malbec that fermented together with 10-20% full clusters, and aged in oak barrels for 19 months, but 20% of the volume was kept in egg-shaped cement vats for that time. It feels fresher than the 2012 Q2, as the grapes here are selected from the chalkier parts of the different plots, which bring minerality, sapidity and freshness. It has aromas of violets, red and black cherries, hints of apricots and even some orange peel. In a warm vintage like 2012, the picking date was key, as the grapes went from green to ripe in one day, while the next day was a bit too much, and the one after the fruit was overripe. The palate is medium to full-bodied with fine, chalky tannins, moderate acidity and a slight bitterness in the finish. This is a superb, serious, mineral red that should improve in bottle. 20,444 bottles produced.
