The 2006 Vendimia Selecionnada is a bit more expressive aromatically with floral and mineral notes than the 2005. However, it is less dense and structured. It will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2020. It is an excellent value in age-worthy Tempranillo. Bodegas J. A. Calvo Casajus is owned and operated by its namesake, Jose Alberto Calvo Casajus. It is literally a one-man operation with Casajus also doubling as his village’s baker. His grandfather planted the estate’s Tempranillo vineyards in 1920. Two wines are produced, the Vendimia Seleccionada and the Antiguos Vinedos. Importer: Tom George, Frontier Wine Imports, Dover, NJ; tel. (973) 328-4500

Opens with pasty, oaky aromas and very little fruit or clarity. The palate is flat in feel and thick, with woody, medicinal flavors. Finishes with a pile of woodspice and not a whole lot else. Generic and uninspired for the price. ——M.S.(4/1/2011)—— 84