A top-notch offering from this nearly forgotten, vast viticultural region, this 1,000-case cuvee is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Syrah along with small quantities of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Graciano. Its inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by smoky, creme de cassis-like aromas presented in a full-bodied, fleshy, modern, international style. Consume this reasonably priced Spanish red over the next 5-6 years.

Fans of Miguel Angel de Gregorio’s Finca Allende wines from Rioja will want to snap up this excellent, lush-styled blend of Graciano, Merlot and Petit Verdot from La Mancha. This wine almost proves that talent is as important as terroir, because no other La Mancha wine features this grape blend, these rich and pure medicinal flavors, and a smooth-handed sense of balance that calls for drinking now through 2013.——M.S.(11/15/2008)—— 93