The 2009 Altos de Luzon is a blend of 35- to 45-year-old Monastrell, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards planted at 650 meters altitude fermented with wild yeast, and aged for 12 months in barrel. It’s a minty blend, showing some age, tertiary notes of leather, cedar wood and a polished palate. The Cabernet marks the blend, giving the impression more of a Mediterranean Bordeaux, but unfortunately the varnished oak character of the wine stays at the forefront. 150.000 bottles produced. Drink 2013-2015. Bodegas Luzon was created in 2000 and it was one of the modernizers of the Jumilla appellation. It now belongs to an industrial group, Grupo Fuertes, owned by the Fuertes family, known for their cured-meat brand El Pozo, who purchased it in 2005. It used to belong to the Gil family, who sold it to the Fuertes and started the Juan Gil winery. Bodegas Luzon own 460 hectares of vineyards and produce 2.5 million bottles per year. Importer: Aviva Vino, New York, NY; tel. (212) 244-4495; www.avivavino.com

The plush, supple texture carries sweet flavors of crushed raspberry, herbs and vanilla in this expressive red, kept lively by fresh acidity. Drink now through 2016. 4,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add