The 2003 Crianza spent 10 months in French and American oak. A blend of Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, it exhibits a complex nose of cedar, spice box, damp earth, red and black currants and blackberry. Ripe and supple-textured, this medium-bodied wine has fine balance, excellent depth, and a pure finish. Drink this well-made wine over the next 1-2 years.Importer: Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

The interesting, complex Valle de Salinas cuvee, the 2002 Crianza, is fashioned from old vine Mourvedre blended with small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and aged 10 months in French and American oak. It offers a deep plum/ruby color along with a rich, sumptuous bouquet of cedar, black currants, earth, and subtle pain grille characteristics. With excellent ripeness, medium to full body, surprising complexity as well as persistence on the palate, and no hard edges, this fully mature 2002 will drink well for several more years.Importer: David Shiverick, Langdon-Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800

A great buy, this dense purple-colored Crianza offers up scents of blackberry liqueur, cassis, cherries, scorched earth, hot rocks, and asphalt. Medium-bodied with loads of fruit, a big texture as well as chewiness, and a surprisingly soft, heady finish, it is a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Syrah. It should drink well for several years, but its value is its exuberance and youthful freshness and robustness.Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800