The 2011 Josep Foraster Crianca is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Tempranillo, 25% Syrah and 10% Trepat aged for one year in new, second, third and fourth use barrels, mixing Mediterranean and Atlantic notes, red and black fruit, balsamic and herbal overtones, while the palate is still quite marked by the oak, and a predominance of the herbaceous flavors. Drink bow-2017. is a family winery, created in 1998, where they work exclusively with the fruit of their own vineyards, which are organically farmed. I really liked their interpretation of the local red grape Trepat. Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 233-1504, www.tedwardwines.com

The 2009 Josep Foraster Crianza is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Tempranillo, 25% Syrah and 10% Trepat from 19-year-old vines, and spent 12 months in barrel (50% new). It offers a crisp, taut bouquet with crushed stone and gravel aromas, intermingled with autumn leaves and a touch of stewed black tea. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy, red currant and blackberry fruit that rests on a framework of steely tannins. It is not a fruit-driven wine, but has very fine acidity and an attractive, edgy, stony finish that leaves the mouth refreshed. Drink 2013-2018. I visited Mas Foraster on a lucid sunny morning in Conca de Barbera. They farm 34 hectares at around 370 metres altitude. The estate includes plots planted in 1995 and 2001, introducing their white wine later in 2007. All fruit is sourced from their own vineyards. Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York; NY; tel. (212) 233-1504; www.tedwardwines.com

The 2007 Crianza is made up of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Ull de Liebre (Tempranillo), and 30% Syrah aged for 12 months in French oak. It exhibits an earthy minerality, Asian spices, incense, cedar, and leather. On the palate this medium-bodied offering is dense, layered, and sweetly fruited leading to a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years but there is no need to delay gratification. Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; www.tedwardwines.com