Hints of leather and spice add to flavors of grilled plum, soft raisin and cocoa powder in this dusty red. Cari?ena, Garnacha and Syrah. Drink now. 739 cases made, 75 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Terra Alta Select to Add

The 2008 L’Avi Arrufi is a blend of 60% Carinena, 30% Garnacha, and 10% Syrah aged 14 months in oak. It reveals brooding black fruits, dried herbs (rosemary and thyme), mineral, lavender, and a hint of balsamic. Complex and structured on the palate with layers of spicy black fruit, it will reward 2-3 years of cellaring and offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2023. Celler Vinos Pinol is a 4th generation family-owned winery consisting of 100 acres in and around the village of Batea in Terra Alta, the southern-most DO in Catalunya.Importer: Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; www.oleimports.com

The 2007 L’Avi Arrufi is made up of 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Garnacha, with the balance Merlot, Syrah, and Tempranillo. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it displays a bouquet of damp earth, mineral, roasted herbs, pencil lead, black cherry, and black currant. Dense and mouth-filling, it displays incipient complexity and enough structure and balance to blossom for several more years. It should be in its prime from 2012 to 2022. Importer: Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; www.oleimports.com

The 2005 L’Avi Arrufi is a blend of 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Garnacha, 20% Merlot, 15% Syrah, and 15% Tempranillo aged for 14 months in French, American, and Hungarian oak. A glass-coating purple color, the aromatics feature notes of tar, mineral, licorice, blackberry, and blueberry compote. With excellent grip, layers of fruit, and a firm structure, this well-balanced wine will evolve for another 3-5 years and drink well through 2025. Celler Vinos Pinol was founded in 1945 by Josep Arrufi. The fourth generation currently runs the estate which consists of 100 acres in Terra Alta, a D.O. which is just a bit drier and warmer than neighboring Montsant and Priorat. Vinos Pinol has turned out several red and white wine values that are noted on the Best Buy chart at the end of this report.Importer: Patrick Mata, Ole Imports; www.oleimports.com