More serious is the 2008 El Castro de Valtuille which spent 12 months in barrel. Complex and attractively perfumed, it has plenty of succulence, finishing with seamless wild cherry flavors. Castro Ventosa’s wines are made by the renowned vigneron Raul Perez. Importer: Bryce McNamee, Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA; Tel: (914) 954-6583

Vivid ruby. Ripe cherry, redcurrant and plum on the nose, with oak spice accents and a touch of black cardamom. Rich, supple and juicy, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors and a late jolt of cracked pepper. Deep, nicely concentrated and long on the gently tannic finish.