The purple/black 2006 Clio is composed of 70% old vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 26 months in new oak. It offers up a super-sexy nose of underbrush, incense, lavender, blueberry muffin, and black currant. Voluptuous and creamy on the palate, this loaded, well-balanced wine is a total turn-on. For those who prefer their flavor in moderation, look elsewhere. Drink this pleasure-bent effort from 2011 to 2021. Bodegas El Nido employs Aussie vigneron Chris Ringland as its winemaking consultant. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

This plush, modern red is brimming with plum, black cherry, cola, licorice and spice flavors, fresh and vibrant, with firm, well-integrated tannins and a spicy finish. Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2014. 1,125 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add

Oddly, this is preferable to El Nido’s $140 Cab-heavy fruit bomb. Maybe that’s because Monastrell is the go-to grape in Jumilla, and this is 70% Monastrell and only 30% Cab compared to the opposite with El Nido. All that said, this wine is ripe, approachable and dark, with excellent balance and a fudgy, warm finish of fruitcake and blackberry. Drink now through 2013.——M.S.(2/1/2010)—— 93