The 2005 Finca Monasterio is Baron de Ley’s bow to the modern school of winemaking. The wine was aged for 15 months in new French oak. Purple-colored, it reveals a nose of pain grille, mineral, black currant, and blackberry. Supple, ripe, and structured, on the palate it exhibits a Bordeaux-like combination of elegance and power. This lengthy wine will evolve for 3-5 years and be at its best between 2012 and 2025. Baron de Ley is a solid source of traditionally styled Rioja Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY; www.frederickwildman.com

Black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors show good concentration in this firm, thick red, but now the oak is a bit intrusive, with vanilla and sawdust notes. Needs time to settle down. Best from 2009 through 2014. 200 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Fairly stylish and quite serious. There’s darkness to the nose along with masculine, meaty, leathery aromas. And while the bouquet is sturdy and begs you to dig in, the palate is a little less generous as it shows some herbal sharpness at its core. Overall there’s commendable cherry and plum flavors, but the wine lacks some depth. ——M.S.(12/15/2008)—— 88