Always the most structured and potentially complex here, the exotic 2003 Grenache Old Vines Romas Vineyard exhibits a dark purple color as well as a big, peppery, herbs de Provence, melted licorice, black raspberry and cherry-scented nose. Full-bodied and powerful, with layers of fruit, enormous concentration, and a masculine, structured personality, it needs another year of bottle age, and should last for a decade. Importer: Commonwealth Wine & Spirits Inc., Mansfield, MA; tel. (508) 328-6764

Aromas are fruit-sweet one minute, and dark and earthy the next. Offers thick, pulpy tannins on the tongue, with fruit that glows red, then purple. Medium-long on the finish; this is an excellent, very compelling Grenache. Will show its best in 2–3 years. Imported by Commonwealth Wine & Spirits Inc. ——D.T.(8/1/2005)—— 91