The grapes for the 2007 Almirez came from 30-year-old ungrafted head pruned vines. The wine was aged for 12 months in one-year-old French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it displays an expressive nose of spice box, espresso, plum, and blackberry compote. Full-bodied on the palate with layers of savory black fruits, lots of spice, and enough fine-grained tannin to evolve for 1-2 years, it will drink beautifully from 2011 to 2019. It is an excellent value that over-delivers in a big way. Bodegas Teso La Monja is the Eguren family’s new project in Toro featuring a state of the art winery and old vines of Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo). The sandy soils here meant that phylloxera never took hold so that most of the vines are ungrafted. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA: Tel: (781) 461-5767

Plush and polished, this modern-style red delivers ripe plum and blackberry fruit framed by toasty oak, with well-integrated tannins and a spicy finish. Drink now through 2013. 1,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Toro Select to Add

(100% tinta de toro) Deep, vivid ruby. Very pretty, focused aromas of raspberry, rose, minerals and Asian spices. Sweet red and dark berry flavors are complicated by graphite and candied floral qualities reminiscent of pinot noir. The finish features smoky minerals and leaves behind sweet red fruits. This lively wine is balanced to reward aging: I'd give it at least another couple years before pulling the cork.