The 2008 Montgo is a blend of 70% Monastrell, 20% Shiraz, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 6 months in seasoned French and American oak. Medium purple in color, it sports an expressive nose of cedar, spice box, scorched earth, underbrush, a hint of balsamic, plum, and black cherry. Layered and ripe on the palate, this is a tasty, forward effort that will deliver plenty of pleasure at a fair price over the next 4 years. Importer: Vinnico Exports; www.vinnico.com

No tasting note given.

The 2004 Montgo is a blend of 65% Monastrell, 20% Shiraz, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Opaque purple in color, it possesses an expressive nose of earth, fungi, blackberry, and blueberry liqueur. It has considerably more depth and concentration than its younger sibling as well as the structure for a couple of years of evolution. However, at its selling price, most purchasers will be pulling the trigger sooner rather than later. Interestingly, the more expensive 2004 Picos del Montgo could not be recommended because of hard tannins and a compact mid-palate. However, the two new releases listed above are superior values, among the best of my Spanish tastings. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin, Bordeaux; www.europvin.com