The 2013 Syrah Col.lecció showed quite oaky, but less than the 2011 I tasted last time. It's produced from vines planted in 1994 fermented with dry yeasts, and matured in new and used French and American oak barrels for one year. There are hints of smoked meat and violets but the background is taken by spices and toasted oak aromas. The palate shows good balance, tasty flavors and some fine tannins. The oak should integrate with some time in bottle. 6,500 bottles produced.

Unfortunately the nose of the 2011 Syrah Col Lecció is dominated by oak aromas and it's hard to reach the Syrah or Penedès character in the glass. Vanilla, smoke, coconut, spices and little more shape the nose. The palate has bittersweet flavors, spices and smoke with a slightly bitter finish that feels a little diluted. This was once a benchmark Syrah from Spain -when very few were produced- but seems trapped by the barrel.

Red values under $25. Recommended and tasted, but no tasting note given. Importer: Opici Wines , www.opiciwines.com

This red cuvee is an elegant, medium-bodied offering with dry tannin and good acidity. The Col.leccio offering is a serious effort. The wine is aged 12 months in a combination of American and French oak, then lightly filtered prior to bottling. The dense black ruby-colored 2000 Syrah Col.leccio reveals classic aromas of blackberries, licorice, and asphalt. Medium-bodied and pure, with dry tannin as well as a certain austerity, it is authentically Syrah-like in taste. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800 ; Opici Wines , www.opiciwines.com