The consulting winemaker at Bodegas El Nido is Chris Ringland of Barossa Valley fame. Amazingly, the 2004 El Nido is even better. It is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell sourced from the same vineyards as its sibling but from the tenderloin portions, and it received the same oak treatment. Similar in color, the nose offers a beautiful perfume of pain grille, vanilla, forest floor, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. The wine is more elegant on the palate with a velvety texture, layers of spicy black fruits, and great depth and balance. It admirably marries elegance and power. Cellar this fabulous wine for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 10-15. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Rich and plush, this modern red delivers ripe, mouthfilling flavors of blackberry, cassis, licorice, cola and mineral. The tannins are well-integrated, and lively acidity balances the sweetness of jammy fruit and toasty oak. Cabernet Sauvignon and Monastrell. Drink now through 2012. 283 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add