Produced from a 45-year-old Tempranillo vineyard, the 2004 Seleccion Personal was aged in new French oak for 12 months prior to bottling. This brilliant, deep ruby/purple-tinged effort offers aromas and flavors of flowers, sweet cherries, black fruits, cedar, and licorice. It should drink well for a decade or more.

Blackberry and cola are the prime aromas that comprise the alluring bouquet. And as you’d expect, there’s also leather and spicy wood thrown in. In the mouth, it’s an intense ride of rich black cherry and plum. For now it’s a little closed on the finish; will likely be better in three years.——M.S.(9/1/2007)—— 89