Dominio Mano a Mano’s 2008 Manon is 100% Tempranillo aged for 3 months in French and American oak. Purple/black in color, it offers up roasted black cherry aromas along with violets and a hint of pepper. Medium-bodied, ripe, and succulent, it finishes with no hard edges. Drink this excellent value over the next 3 years. Importer: Aviva Vino, New York, NY; tel. (212) 244-4495

This red shows density and structure, but herbal, anise and espresso notes overshadow plum fruit, and the tannins turn a bit drying. 7,000 cases imported. -TM

A big, jammy youngster with earth and rubber on the nose. Firm, bullish and tannic but also lively, dark-fruited and touched up with bacon. Finishes with heat and bitterness. Meaty and rugged yet still pretty good. ——M.S.(4/1/2011)—— 84