The 2006 Joven is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot, fermented with native yeasts, and aged for 5 months in French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it has an excellent bouquet of cedar, tobacco, spice box, black currant, and blackberry. This leads to an elegant wine with complex flavors, fine depth and concentration, and plenty of immediate appeal. Drink it over the next 6 years. Importer: Antalva Wine Imports, Los Angeles, CA; (310) 695-6260 www.pagodeloscapellanes.com

Fairly ripe and deep smelling, yet it’s more racy and lean in the mouth. There’s good berry fruit to this Tempranillo-led wine, but it turns kind of sharp and sheering on the back palate. Freshness and snappy zest are the wine’s main characteristics. Probably best with tapas.——M.S.(6/1/2008)—— 86