The 2007 El 8 is made up of 95% Carinena and 5% Garnacha with total production of 2000 bottles. The wine is opaque purple black in color with a nose that hints of prunes and dates along with black spices, bitter chocolate, and black cherry. On the palate it remains just this side of over-ripe while displaying the warmth of the village of Gratallops. Despite its size, it reveals an elegant side and pretty features. It can be approached now but will drink well for another 10-12 years. La Vinya del Vuit is a partnership of 8 friends including some of the most prominent names in the DO (Rene Barbier, Sarah Perez, Ester Nin, among others). The name “El 8” comes from the partnership with the wine produced from a single vineyard in Gratallops. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1560

The glass-staining 2006 El 8 is 95% Carinena and 5% Garnacha sourced from a single vineyard. It offers up a superb, lightly roasted bouquet of toasty oak, liquid minerals, underbrush, espresso, lavender, and blueberry muffin. Structured on the palate, it has plenty of savory, spicy fruit, ripe tannin, and a pure, lengthy finish. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well from 2015 to 2031. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

This micro-cuvee of 2000 bottles takes its name from the eight member partnership. The wine is 95% Carinena and 5% Garnacha exhibiting a splendid perfume of earth, mineral, tar, rose petals, blueberry, and cherry. The wine is surprisingly Barolo-like with a long finish and 5-7 years of cellaring potential. It will show at its best from 2012 to 2025. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565