The 2004 Penon de Ifach is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, and 25% Merlot aged for 18 months in seasoned French and American barriques. A glass-coating purple color, the wine shows off a compelling aromatic array of wood smoke, mineral, lavender, black currant, and blackberry. Plush and layered on the palate, this buxom effort is stacked with succulent fruit, enough structure to blossom for another 2-3 years, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It will offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2019. Bodegas Enrique Mendoza was founded in 1989. Importer: Winebow Inc., New York, NY; www.winebow.com

Plum and berry fruit flavors seem a bit stewy, ending with a hint of tar on the finish.??–null??Region: Spain / Alicante Select to Add

The 2002 Penon de Ifach Reserva is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, and 25% Merlot aged for 18 months in French and American oak. It retains an opaque purple color and surrenders attractive aromas of pain grille, smoke, and black currants. This is followed by a wine with very good richness, ripe fruit, moderate tannin, excellent balance and length. Like quality Bordeaux, it should improve for several years but can be enjoyed now. Importer: Winebow Inc., Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620