The 2006 Embruix uses all five varieties permitted in the Priorat DO sourced from the estate’s younger vines. Purple in color, it has an expressive perfume of cedar, spice box, mineral, damp earth, and black fruits that jump from the glass. On the palate, however, the wine is compact and reticent. The flavors are good but the wine lacks generosity. Drink it over the next eight years. Vall-Llach was founded in 1992 by the famous Catalan singer Lluis Llach. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; www.foliowine.com

Rubbery and gaseous on first sniff, and then upon airing it shows pretty black fruit scents and richness. Forget about minerality and llicorela here; this wine is modern, lusty, big and dark, with licorice, blackberry and chocolaty flavors. Finishes thick, long and tasty.——M.S.(10/1/2011)—— 91