3 | Wine | New Arrivals, Tempranillo, 86 or higher

"Aromas of toasty oak, graphite, balsamic, incense, and black fruits are followed by a dense, powerful Tempranillo from the great 2009 vintage. Rich, savory, and pleasure bent, it is a great value."

"It reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of creme de cassis intermixed with hints of wood smoke and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, juicy, succulent and sensual, it should drink nicely for 3-4 years." -Robert Parker

"It has a soft, mint-tinged bouquet with light dried rose petal tones. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy entry, prickly red berry fruit, cedar and graphite originating from the oak. The finish is quite sharp with a dash of white pepper lingering on the aftertaste. This is a perfectly pleasant Toro red."

"The 2011 G Dehesa Gago eschews oak – the wine is just put in the tank and then racked. It has a straightforward bouquet of blueberry, red cherries and a touch of balsamic that is well-defined and “pert.” The palate is quite succulent and primal on the entry with lush blueberry and cassis notes. It offers a pleasing, grainy texture with that balsamic note returning on the finish."

"Glass-staining ruby. A fragrant bouquet evokes cherry-vanilla, violet and spices. Juicy and open-knit, offering zesty red and dark berry flavors and a touch of vanillin oak. Finishes smooth, gently sweet and long, with the cherry note echoing. This is already approachable."

"Well-defined mulberry, cocoa and mint-scented bouquet that unfurls temptingly in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and crisp acidity, serving up notes of blackberry, melted asphalt, undergrowth and a sandalwood. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of white pepper on the entry. It is underpinned by firm tannins: a solid structure that is classic in style, but one that melts and coalesces beautifully over the course of twenty minutes in the glass".

"Dark ruby-colored with a garnet rim, it displays a lovely nose of Asian spices, incense, tobacco, balsamic, and blackberry. On the palate it has exceptional depth, layers of spicy black fruit, excellent ripeness, and an elegant personality. Upon release it should continue to evolve for another 5-6 years and drink well through 2040."

"Its name is derived from the ancient caves under San Vicente de la Sonsierra castle where the old cellar is located. It has a seductive bouquet with beautifully defined, precise, graphite-tinged black and blueberry fruit that unfolds with passing moments. The palate has immense purity and sense of symmetry and gently grips the mouth on the long, elegant finish. If you cannot afford Contador, well, this sure as hell comes close!"

"The 2005 Vina Arana Reserva has a fresh bouquet of orange blossom, quince, violets and dark cherries. The palate is succulent on the entry with vivacious maraschino cherry, red currant and blood orange. It displays a very fine build and a silky smooth texture that segues to a poised, mint-tinged, bright and animated finish."

"The nose is very lifted with floral notes: crushed violets and rose petals sprinkled over cassis and dark plum fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a gentle, insistent grip. It has a satin-like texture, bewitching harmony and a precise, languorous finish that exhibits spine-tingling minerality. Returning to the bottle hours after opening, it evolves ever-higher degrees of harmony and sumptuousness. It almost leaves you giggling stupidly at how good it is. It is expensive, but it is also cheaper than a First Growth."