The 2002 El Puntido is opaque purple with an expressive nose of scorched earth, pain grille, spice box, mulberry, and blackberry. This is followed by a large-scaled, intense, mouth-filling wine already beginning to show some complexity. The wine has superb delineation and a pure finish. It is a superior effort from a difficult vintage. Drink it now and over the next 12+ years. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Stylish and serious, with polished, fancy oak sitting like royalty atop dark fruit that is almost pruney. The palate hits with a solid smack of blackberry, while a secondary layer delivers chocolate, mocha and spice. Not quite at the level of the classic 2001 but still excellent.——M.S.(9/1/2007)—— 92