The straight red 2013 Aljibes is a blend of imported grapes, 40% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and 20% Merlot; it underwent malolactic fermentation in oak vat and aged in barrique for one year. The nose is driven by the fruit and the oak is in the background adding some spiciness, but not interfering. All the wines here share an accessible and commercial profile. The palate shows less freshness than its siblings. 60,000 bottles.

The 2009 Vina Aljibes is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc and 33% Merlot aged for seven months in oak barrel and five months in 10,000-liter French oak vats. It offers an attractive, understated bouquet that opens with aeration, offering up mulberry, sage and spice. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple entry, plenty of uncomplicated balsamic-tinged red berry fruit, and a clean, fresh, spicy finish. Drink now-2015. Importer: Elite Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 526-6383

The 2003 Aljibes, which spent 9 months in new French and American oak, is composed of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It could easily pass as a Bordeaux impersonator. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up an excellent bouquet of pain grille, vanilla bean, and spicy black currants. On the palate it presents a supple-textured personality with generous quantities of black fruit flavors, excellent balance, ripe tannins, and a long, pure finish. This outstanding value should continue to evolve for 4-6 years and drink well through 2020. For the record, the 2004 Aljibes was too herbal and green to recommend. Perhaps it was an off-bottle. Importer: Hidalgo Imports, Miami, FL; tel. (786) 489-1525 and Elite Wines, Lorton, VA; tel. (703) 339-8150

The 2003 Vina Aljibes is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Tempranillo, 22% Syrah, 13% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc which spent 10 months in large oak followed by 6 months in French and American barriques. Medium ruby-colored, it has a pleasant nose of cedar, tobacco, pepper, red currants, and black cherry. Supple on the palate with no hard edges, this easy-drinking Spanish red is a very good value. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Importer: Hidalgo Imports, Miami, FL; tel. (786) 489-1525 and Elite Wines, Lorton, VA; tel. (703) 339-8150