The deep crimson-colored 2007 Finca Sandoval is made up of 79% Syrah 13% Mourvedre and 8% Bobal made entirely from estate-grown fruit. The wine was aged for 11 months in new and seasoned French and American oak. It offers up a brooding bouquet of underbrush mineral spice box blueberry and blackberry. Packed and impeccably balanced this savory layered effort is surprisingly forward for its size. It can be approached now but will be better with 2-3 years of additional cellaring. - Jay Miller

Shows a pure beam of briary blackberry black cherry and spice flavors accented by hints of vanilla and dried herbs. The supple tannins frame the wine while juicy acidity enlivens it. There's good concentration in a more elegant package. Drink now through 2014. -AN