The 2009 Embrux de Vall Llach is a blend of 30% Carinena, 17% Syrah, 10% Merlot, 30% Garnacha and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 3- to 4-year-old barrels for 20 months. It has a ripe, tight bouquet with touches of cough candy inflecting the red berry fruit. The palate is full-bodied with chewy ripe, sweet, red cherry laced with white pepper and star anise, while the finish is a little smudged. Even so, this is satisfactory when considering the price. Drink now-2018. Founded in Porerra in the early 1990s by Lluis Llach and Enric Costa, Vall Llach introduced their first vintage in 2000. Their vineyards include some old vine Carinena and Garnacha between 60 and 90 years of age, which are complemented by outsourced fruit. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Importers, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700; www.foliowines.com