The 2005 Alto Almanzora “Este” is a blend of 60% Monastrell, 10% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha with the balance three other varieties. The wine was aged for 6 months in French and American oak. Opaque purple-colored, the wine exhibits a surprisingly complex array of mineral, mushroom, black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with gobs of ripe fruit, this easy drinking wine has a firm, lengthy finish. At the asking price, this is an awesome value. Drink it over the next 2 years (although the adventurous might want to cellar a case or two for a couple of years and be pleasantly surprised by its evolution). Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565