The 2011 QS is Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon with small percentages of other French grapes fermented together and aged in oak barrels for 20 months. The aim is to show the chalky character of the quinta (estate). 2011 is extremely ripe and the wine reached 15.4% alcohol, but it doesn’t show. It starts quite lactic, with notes of fruits-of-the-forest yogurt, spicy and lush, with no noticeable oak. The wine needs plenty of time and air, so decanting it in advance is a good idea. It is ripe but it’s focused and bright, perhaps the effect of some stems in the wine. The palate is full-bodied, but it has very good balance and acidity, a special liveliness provided by the mineral, chalky, drying sensation of the texture. A soil-driven red of character. Drink 2015-2021.
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Quinta Sardonia Ribera Del Duero 2011 750ml
Rated 93 by Wine Advocate
The 2011 QS is Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon with small percentages of other French grapes fermented together and aged in oak barrels for 20 months. The aim is to show the chalky character of the quinta (estate). 2011 is extremely ripe and the wine reached 15.4% alcohol, but it doesn’t show. It starts quite lactic, with notes of fruits-of-the-forest yogurt, spicy and lush, with no noticeable oak. The wine needs plenty of time and air, so decanting it in advance is a good idea. It is ripe but it’s focused and bright, perhaps the effect of some stems in the wine. The palate is full-bodied, but it has very good balance and acidity, a special liveliness provided by the mineral, chalky, drying sensation of the texture. A soil-driven red of character. Drink 2015-2021.
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Saturated ruby. Powerful, smoke-accented cherry and licorice aromas are sharpened and lifted by a zesty mineral quality and a touch of fresh rose. Deeply concentrated dark fruit and fruitcake flavors are slow to unwind, picking up a hint of bitter chocolate with aeration. Finishes chewy and long, with dusty tannins providing grip.
Rated 92 by Wine Spectator
Smoky, loamy and meaty notes give this muscular red an austere character, but there's a core of black plum, licorice and mineral flavors and good density beneath the firm tannins. This has power but needs time. Best from 2016 through 2026. 200 cases imported.