The consulting winemaker at Bodegas El Nido is Chris Ringland of Barossa Valley fame. The 2004 Clio is 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 70% Monastrell (from 63-year-old vines) which received malolactic fermentation in new oak followed by 26 months of aging in new French and American barriques. A glass-coating opaque purple, it exhibits a sensational nose of earth, mushroom, leather, blueberry, and blackberry jam. On the palate the wine is supple-textured, complex, with vibrant flavors of spicy blue and black fruits and a big-time WOW factor. This is a totally hedonistic effort with exceptional length and balance. It is remarkably light on its feet for such a powerful wine. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Ripe, fresh fruit flavors of black cherry and boysenberry mingle with toast and sweet vanilla notes from oak in this modern red. Has well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, with a lip-smacking finish. Monastrell (Mourvèdre) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2014. 1,125 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add