The 2006 Allende Tinto was aged in predominantly new French oak for 14 months before bottling without filtration. Deep crimson-colored, it emits an alluring nose of espresso, pencil lead, smoke, spice box, and black fruits. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has layered savory fruit, excellent concentration, integrated oak, and a lengthy finish. It is an excellent value in serious Rioja. The Calvario Vertical Tasting : Allende’s Calvario cuvee is typically 90% old-vine Tempranillo and the balance Garnacha and Graciano sourced from the vineyard of the same name planted in 1945. The wine is aged in new French oak for 16 months and bottled without filtration. The Aurus Vertical Tasting : The flagship Aurus is typically 85% old-vine Tempranillo and 15% Graciano aged in new French oak for 24 months.Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Alluring flavors of blackberry and black cherry are accented with smoke, licorice and spice notes in this fresh, lively red. Nervy and expressive. Drink now through 2012. 3,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Dark, sweet and candied on the nose, with hints of raisin and licorice that become more prominent in the mouth. Saturated but also somewhat monotone and single-leveled in terms of flavor, where you get a narrow band of sweet black cherry and raisin in front of a short finish. Very nice as always, but not the best Allende we’ve reviewed.——M.S.(8/1/2010)—— 89