The 2003 Aljibes, which spent 9 months in new French and American oak, is composed of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It could easily pass as a Bordeaux impersonator. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up an excellent bouquet of pain grille, vanilla bean, and spicy black currants. On the palate it presents a supple-textured personality with generous quantities of black fruit flavors, excellent balance, ripe tannins, and a long, pure finish. This outstanding value should continue to evolve for 4-6 years and drink well through 2020. For the record, the 2004 Aljibes was too herbal and green to recommend. Perhaps it was an off-bottle. Importer: Hidalgo Imports, Miami, FL; tel. (786) 489-1525 and Elite Wines, Lorton, VA; tel. (703) 339-8150

The 2003 Vina Aljibes is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Tempranillo, 22% Syrah, 13% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc which spent 10 months in large oak followed by 6 months in French and American barriques. Medium ruby-colored, it has a pleasant nose of cedar, tobacco, pepper, red currants, and black cherry. Supple on the palate with no hard edges, this easy-drinking Spanish red is a very good value. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Importer: Hidalgo Imports, Miami, FL; tel. (786) 489-1525 and Elite Wines, Lorton, VA; tel. (703) 339-8150