The purple-colored 2006 Vega Escal is composed of 60% Carinena, 30% Garnacha, and 10% Syrah aged for six months in French and American oak. It exhibits an alluring bouquet of smoke, crushed stone, lavender, leather, black cherry, and blueberry. Elegantly-styled on the palate, it has layers of savory fruit, good depth and concentration, and a lengthy finish. It will evolve for 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2011 to 2020. This value-priced Priorat is a good introduction to the region. Importer: Aurelio Cabastrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; www.grapesofspain.com

Purple and foxy smelling, with opaque fruit. A strange, youthful style of Priorat with awkward, foxy flavors and a clumsy, amateur mouthfeel. Funky and herbal on the finish; weak by regional standards.——M.S.(12/15/2009)—— 82