The 2009 Cabernet Franc (60%) – Tempranillo (40%) was aged 4 months in French and American oak. It sports a pleasing nose of fresh herbs, wood smoke, spice box, cassis, and blackberry. Savory, ripe, and nicely proportioned, this smooth-textured offering finishes with no hard edges. Drink this excellent value over the next 4-5 years. Abadal’s two white offerings do not merit recommendations but the reds are all first-class.Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (571) 642-0343

This thick, soft red shows grape and cherry candy flavors, with hints of herb and light tannins. Drink now. 5,800 cases made, 2,300 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Pla del Bages Select to Add

The 2007 Cabernet Franc (60%)-Tempranillo (40%) was aged for four months in seasoned French and American oak. Dark ruby-colored, the nose reveals fresh herbs along with cedar and blackberry. There is ample fruit on the palate, but the finish is a bit clipped. Another year in the bottle may round this wine out.Masies d’Avinyo is the producer of the Abadal wines.Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain; www.grapesofspain.com