Mas La Plana 1999

I am surprised on two fronts: first, that a Torres wine should be so individual and assertive, and second, that it should have aged with such elegance and finesse. It was a gift, given to me in summer 2005, and I did well to look after it until last night. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it exudes a deep, rich perfume of raspberries (the dominant fruit throughout), beautifully framed by tobacco, cedar and cinnamon. The fruity freshness on the palate is impressive: taught, refined, concentrated, expressive, lively and vibrant. The dominant notes are raspberry, saddle leather, wet slate, clove and very gentle oak. This is a splendid wine, and I'm not ashamed to admit it - being one of the top... more October 1, 2008