The 2007 Alta Marca is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Merlot aged for 3-5 months in 15% new French and American oak. Cherry red in color, it delivers an expressive nose of cedar, underbrush, tobacco, blueberry, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate. Full-bodied, smooth-textured, and friendly on the palate, this excellent value will provide pleasure over the next 4-5 years. Bodegas Tagonius’s new collection is first-class.Importer: Well Oiled Wine Company, Leesburg, VA; www.welloiledwineco.com

The 2005 Alta Marca is a blend of 43% Tempranillo, 43% Syrah, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 5 months in American and French oak. Purple-colored, it offers a fragrant bouquet of cedar, tobacco, damp earth, blackberry, and blueberry. This is followed by a supple-textured, forward, easy-going wine with no hard edges. Drink this excellent value over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Mark Clinard, Well Oiled Wine Company, Leesburg, VA; tel. (703) 771-6300

The 2004 Alta Marca, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, is deep purple in color and offers plenty of black currants in the nose. On the palate currant and spice flavors have excellent depth and a supple texture. There is a lot of wine here for the money. Importer: The Country Vintner, Oilville, VA; tel. (571) 437-4620