The 2013 Garnacha Syrah is an unoaked blend of two-thirds Garnacha and one-third Syrah that fermented, partially destemmed, in open lagars with some foot treading. The nose has a lot of toasted (burnt) bread and smoke aromas intermixed with black ripe fruit. The palate is round and soft, with fine-grained tannins and enough acidity plus toast (and somehow banana) flavors again. They filled 37,333 bottles with the 2013 harvest.

A blend of 65% Garnacha and 35% Syrah, the 2011 Garnacha/Syrah has a wild strawberry and Morello scented bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with a good backbone lent by the Syrah. One finds plush blackberry and blueberry fruit with a tightly knitted finish that would benefit from a few months in bottle. Drink 2013-2017. Importer: Axial Vinos; www.axialvinos.com

The 2010 Pagos del Moncayo Garnacha (65%) – Syrah (35%) was also raised in tank but it is a more substantial offering with layered fruit, plenty of spicy black fruit flavor, a forward, pleasure-bent personality, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It is an excellent value. Although it was only founded eight years ago, Pagos del Moncayo works exclusively with fruit over 80 years of age. Having just made my first trip to Campo de Borja in January, 2011, I can now see what makes that possible. It is a place that seemingly dropped off the planet nearly a century ago (after the vines were planted) and has seemingly only just been rediscovered in the past 10 years. Here old-vine Garnacha is King with bush vines that look like small trees planted on stony soil similar to, dare I say it, parts of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Importer: Axial Wines USA; www.axialvinos.com

Floral red berry aromas vie with red licorice and raspberry candy scents on what is basically a sweet-smelling nose. Fairly dense and concentrated in the mouth, but narrow, with cherry and berry flavors. Finishes medicinal and slightly herbal.——M.S.(12/15/2011)—— 86