The 2008 24 Meses, aged 24 months in barrel, has had the benefit of extra time in bottle and has developed complexity in the shape of a nice bouquet, with aromas of dried roses, Mediterranean herbs, and hints of leather and toffee. But the palate still accuses the extended time in barrel with some drying, slightly bitter tannins that seem like they outlast the remaining fruit. Drink up. Seems like 24 months was way too long. Drink now-2016. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com

The 2007 24 Mesas has ripe blackberry, cassis and fig-tinged bouquet with a distracting charred note in the background. The palate is full-bodied with dense, forceful tannins. Compact dark berry fruit is laced with dark chocolate and mocha with a strict, dense, chewy and rather blunt finish. This is trying a little too hard. Drink 2014-2020. Bodegas Monteabellon is owned by the Garcia family whose winery is located in Nava de Roa. The 52 hectares of vineyards occupy both the valley floor and hillsides, which are used for the higher quality wines. To be honest, I was expecting more from these wines and as I tasted their portfolio from cheapest to most expensive, the wines tried harder and harder to impress. Importer: Christopher Cannan; www.europvin.com