The 2007 Jaspi is a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carignan, and 10% Tempranillo aged four months in French and American oak. Excellent aromas of mineral, black raspberry, and black cherry lead to an intense, ripe, spicy, full-bodied wine with layers of savory fruit. Drink this pleasure-bent effort over the next six years. Importer: The Artisan Collection, New York, NY; Tel: (212) 608-0722

Vanilla, caramel, bramble, pepper and spice all appear on the bouquet, while the palate is full in size, with a saturated feel and flavors of sweet berries and plum. It’s a pretty big but not enormous four-grape blend, and overall it’s devoid of tricks or glaring faults. ——M.S.(11/1/2009)—— 86