The 2009 Eternum Viti Los Colmillos was sourced from a vineyard estimated to contain ungrafted vines as old as 135 years. Malolactic occurred in new French oak followed by 13 months of aging prior to bottling without filtration. Purple/black in color, it proffers a liqueur-like bouquet of spicy black fruits, incense, violets, tapenade, and truffle. Dense, powerful, rich, and loaded, it will benefit from 5-6 years of cellaring and drink well through 2029. Fans of low alcohol, elegance, and subtlety, look elsewhere. Those looking for a big wet kiss, this is the one for you. Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (571) 642-0343

The 2008 Eternum Viti Los Colmillos is also 100% Tinta de Toro from a vineyard, according to records, planted in 1950. However, there is good reason to believe that it was actually planted in the 1870s. The wine went through ML in new French oak followed by 16 months of aging in barrel. A glass-staining opaque purple color, it delivers a compelling aromatic array of sandalwood, incense, truffle, licorice, and lightly roasted black fruits. Full-bodied and powerful on the palate, the wine is layered, dense, and filled with black fruit flavors, spice notes, and licorice. It will evolve for 5-7 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2028. In the scheme of things it is a great value in serious red wine. The DO Terra Alta wines represent a new project for Bodegas Abanico. Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; www.grapesofspain.com