The 2004 Neo Punta Esencia has nearly as much power as the 2005 but with glossier fruit, a plush personality, and considerable elegance. Give it 6-8 years and it will reward you with a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2034.

The 2004 Neo Punta Esencia has nearly as much power as the 2005 but with glossier fruit, a plush personality, and considerable elegance. Give it 6-8 years and it will reward you with a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2034. Bodegas Neo consists of a bunch of young guys having the time of their lives. They seem to be making wine everywhere (Rueda, Priorat, Bierzo, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero), as well as designing wine labels, recording music videos, and generally partying. But when it comes down to their top two wines, they are deadly serious. On my visit in May, 2010, I was shown verticals of Neo and Neo Punta Esencia. Neo is sourced from 50- to 60-year-old Tempranillo vines and typically aged in French and American oak for 15 months before bottling without fining or filtration. Neo Punta Esencia is made only in the better years. It is sourced from a single, 80-year-old vineyard producing tiny yields. It receives the “200% new oak” treatment spending 12 months in 100% new French oak before racking into a different set of new barrels for 6 months. Importer: Aurelio Cabastrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (571) 642-0343

Saturated violet. Superripe, youthful, powerful nose features gorgeous aromas of cherry, blackberry, espresso, licorice and spice box. Deep, thick and brooding, with imploded dark fruit flavors strongly accented by anise, graphite and black tea, plus a subtle note of vanilla. Broad, firm tannins frame the long, succulent finish. This should evolve well in bottle.