The 2008 Casa de Illana Seleccion is a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah from Finca Buenavista, Pozoamargo and Cuenca that sees 18 months in new French oak. The nose is a little pinched with tightly wound black cherry, licorice and fig. The palate is quite tannic on the entry, with sweet tannins towards the clean finish. Another few months might benefit this wine, but at the moment it needs more personality. Drink 2014-2017. Unfortunately, some of the samples from Illana were rather reductive (for example, the Casa de Illana Tradition 2007.) Importer: Casa Ventura Imports, Bellingham, WA; tel. (360) 303-1760

The 2006 Casa de Illana Seleccion is a blend of 50% Petit Verdot and 50% Syrah aged for 18 months in 300-liter French oak. It exhibits a smoky, toasty, blackberry, and blueberry bouquet leading to a ripe, sweet, layered, pleasure-bent wine. Dense, concentrated, and easy-to-understand, this forward effort is for hedonists only. Enjoy it over the next six years. Importer: Casa Ventura, Bellingham, WA; tel. (360) 303-1760