The 1996 L'Ermita appears to be another blockbuster effort from Alvaro Palacios. The color is a saturated purple. The expressive nose boasts aromas of pain grille, roasted coffee, chocolate-covered, jammy cherry candy, minerals, and new oak. Full-bodied, dense, and thick, with an unctuous texture, lower acidity, and higher alcohol than the 1995 and 1994, this is a meaty, chewy, masculine wine with a flamboyant personality, in addition to a monster finish. It is super-intense, but exceptionally well-balanced, especially in view of its proportions. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (800) 999-4342.

Elegant and focused, this firm, graceful red offers crisp black cherry and cassis flavors, with lead pencil and cigar box accents, much like a fine Bordeaux. Not a blockbuster, it's impressive for its excellent backbone and definition. Best after 2002. 550 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add

Saturated ruby-red, darker than the Dofí. Blackcurrant, black cherry, clove and Mediterranean spices on the nose. Dense, sappy and sweet in the mouth; lively, harmonious acids frame the wine very youthful black fruit and spice flavors. Finishes with substantial but smooth palate-saturating tannins and superb persistence. This is harder to taste today than the '97, but should ultimately be the stronger vintage.