The 2004 Crianza, a blend of Tempranillo, Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, spent 9 months in French and American oak. Deep crimson-colored, it delivers an expressive nose of cedar, earth, black cherry, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, it has ample spicy fruit, plenty of structure, and a tannic finish. Several years of cellaring may well round out some of the hard edges the wine currently possesses. Importer: Opici Wines, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256

Gritty, granular and a bit raisiny at first, and then more settled later on. For Monastrell this is snappy, dry and solid, with cherry, raspberry, plum and vanilla forming a standard flavor package. The finish offers a bit of chocolate cream, but overall it’s basic, tannic and full, with some bite. ——M.S.(10/1/2009)—— 86