This plush red is still fresh, offering juicy acidity behind the ripe flavors of blackberry, currant and plum. Features enough tannins for grip, with notes of smoke, licorice and tarragon adding interest to the finish. Drink now through 2017. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 800 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Alicante Select to Add

Fairly hard and minty on the nose, with dry raspberry aromas. Acidity is high and the feel is rough, although the flavors of red fruits and cranberry are zesty and forward due to the wine’s blazing acids. Very snappy and a bit too regular tasting to justify the high price.——M.S.(12/15/2009)—— 85

A varietal Monastrell (Mourvedre) that starts with a whole lot of spice, coffee and mint but not a ton of fruit. The palate is more zesty and sharp than you might expect, with grab and some sharpness to the meaty Monastrell fruit. Finishes a little short and flat, but will do well over the short term. ——M.S.(11/15/2008)—— 87