Sadly, there are only limited quantities of the exceptional 2001 Mazuelo (from a 25-year old vineyard). This dense ruby-colored offering boasts a sweet bouquet of forest floor intermixed with black plums, berries, and spice box. In the mouth, it is rich, medium to full-bodied, elegant, and beautifully balanced with a long finish. Although accessible, it is still primary, and should hit its peak in 2-3 years, and last for 10-12. Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000

To celebrate the winery's 150th anniversary, Murrieta produced 3,500 magnums of the 2000 Mazuelo (made from the grape of the same name). It spent 24 months aging, including 6 months in new American oak and 6 months in new French oak. It boasts a dense plum/purple color in addition to sumptuous, concentrated fruit notes (blackberries, plums, and cherries) intermixed with notions of tar, earth, and spice box. This Pomerol-styled Rioja should drink well for 20+ years. Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000