The 2011 Tempus is a blend of Garnacha, Syrah and Cari?ena, with 8-10 months élevage in barrels. It has ripe aromas of black fruits, touches of ink, leather, licorice and dry hay and straw that come through as a warm. The palate is medium-bodied, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins that coat your mouth. Ripe and ready. 25,000 bottles produced.

The 2010 Tempus is a blend of 65% Garnacha, 25% Syrah and 10% Carinena grown on poor chalk and limestone soil aged for six to eight months in French and American oak. It offers an opulent bouquet of macerated dark cherries, fruitcake and dates, a nose that pulls back from the brink of over-ripeness. The palate demonstrates far more restraint than the aromatics, with fine, lithe tannins and a very smooth texture. It has a gentle but insistent grip, with a spice and clove tinged finish that is long and quite sensual. This is a very good Terra Alta, just let down by its unruly aromatics. Drink now-2016. Importer: US Wine (Ilerca Viona) (no telephone number available) and Steven Berardi Selections, CO; tel. (303) 838-1963