The 2001 Altanza Reserva Seleccion Especial spent 18 months in new French oak. Dark ruby in color, it exhibits an enthralling bouquet of cedar, smoke, tobacco, leather, cherry, and black raspberry. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied, plush, elegant wine with layers of fruit, lots of grip, and a long finish. Although it can be enjoyed now, it will certainly provide pleasure through 2020. Importer: F.L. Navarro, Quality Wines of Spain, New York, NY; tel. (212) 842-8181

The 1999 Altanza Reserva Especial is a cuvee produced from 70-year-old vines aged 18 months in Allier oak. It rachets up quality another notch with its dark ruby/purple color, toasty nose with elements of lead pencil, scorched earth, and blue and blackberry, all of which are beginning to show some secondary characteristics from bottle age. On the palate, plum and black cherry flavors buttressed by light tannins form this wine’s elegant personality. Although showing signs of maturity, it should drink nicely for another 4-6 years. Importer: F.L. Navarro, Quality Wines of Spain, New York, NY; tel. (212) 842-8181