The flagship 2009 Roc Nu is a blend of 20% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha (from the hillsides) and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon from a parcel of 12-year-old vines and aged in 15% American and 85% French oak. The nose is well-defined with blackberry, violet, charcoal and a hint of wild honey - opulent but controlled. The palate is full-bodied with sappy black and red fruit intermingling on the entry, with notes of blackberry, allspice, white pepper and a touch of wild fennel. The tannins are firm but not obtrusive, allowing the fruit intensity to flourish on the edgy finish, which has a citric edge combined with just the right amount of dryness. Excellent. Drink 2014-2020. Visiting Clos Pons entails a drive through their never-ending expanse of olive trees and almond vines, one that was slightly fraught since we were running out of petrol. Located in -Les Garrigues,- south of the province of Lleida, the nearest vineyard lies some ten to fifteen kilometres away. Owned by the Pons family, who continue to make their wealth through their olive oil business, the winery itself was completed just a month prior to my arrival, the smell of varnish and paint lingering in the air, though fortunately not inside the tasting room. There are 40 hectares of vines, the heart being a 31-hectare parcel that was planted after a winter chill destroyed a parcel of olive trees. They eschew the use of pesticides, using organic fertilizers instead. They offer a small portfolio of very impressive, handcrafted wines in their state-of-the-art winery that represents good value. Importer: Broadview Imports, NY; www.broadviewimports.com; and T W Sieg, VA; no telephone number available.

Dark flavors of plum, licorice, black olive and smoked meats mingle in this lean, firm red. Balsamic acidity and rather gritty tannins back them up. Rustic. Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Drink now. 2,500 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Costers del Segre Select to Add