2009 J.C. Conde Neo

The 2009 Neo is a 100% Tinto del Pais that is aged for 20 months in 80% French and 20% American oak. It has a slight briny note on the nose with touches of oyster shell and crushed violet, then a wave of fruits with a few swirls of the glass. The palate is full-bodied with fine density and thick chewy tannins. There are layers of oaky black fruit with a dense, muscular finish that shows great persistency with fresh dates and tangy marmalade on the aftertaste. Drink 2013-2019. I cannot recollect many winery visits where I have been escorted to a fully equipped recording studio. Still, I cannot recollect many wineries like Bodegas Neo, which is so hip that it must have been modeled on Warhol’s “The Factory” (albeit without drugs and occasional shooting.) Proprietor Javier Ajenjo is a man like me: as passionate about music as wine, although personally I do not organize highly successful music festivals – I just don’t have the time and my back garden is not big enough. I wondered whether the music might be too much of a diversion for Bodegas Neo, but I did not find that to be the case. These are generally soundly made, perhaps in a way, oddly conservative wines that might not be the most complex that you can find in Ribera del Duero, but are delicious in their own way. Search “Yani Como” on Youtube to check out Javier’s band. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565