Bright and juicy, this red offers fresh fruit flavors of berry and tart cherry, with hints of chocolate and toast. Supple and focused by crisp acidity. Drink now. 20,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Almansa Select to Add

The 2010 Valcanto Monastrell is a selection from 50- to -70-year old bush vines and is aged in new French oak for six months. It offers a pleasant bouquet of black currant, kirsch and orange essence that embraces just a little (pleasant) volatility. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity that cuts through the sappy black cherry and cassis fruit, the finish a little clipped but delineated. Fine. Drink now-2015. Importer: Vineyard Varieties, www.vineyardvarieties.com

The 2008 Valcanto Monastrell (100%) spent 4 months in American oak. Purple-colored with a nose of underbrush, spice box, plum, and blueberry, on the palate it is firm with ample savory fruit and moderate length. Drink it over the next 3 years. Bodegas Piqueras was one of the leaders in establishing the DO of Almansa (located just north of Jumilla). Importer: Winebow Inc., New York, NY; www.winebow.com

No tasting note was given.