The 2009 Berola is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Some oak enters the picture here, as this cuvee is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for about 14 months. There are 1,400 cases of this serious red. While priced nearly twice as high as some of its siblings, this is a hefty, rich, impressive wine that will drink well for 7-8 years. Abundant notes of black currants, black cherries, licorice, flowers, vanillin and spice box are found in the aromas and flavors of this medium to full-bodied, silky, well-endowed wine. Unbelievable! This is a marvelous consumer resource for high quality wines selling at absurdly low prices. I often ask myself, if I had known wines like this existed when I began my career 33 years ago, would I have even considered trying to find great wines at low prices? This has been one of my “go-to” wineries for many years, given their relationship between quality and price. Once you taste these wines, you will probably ask the same question many people have – why do I need to spend more? Bodegas Borsao, which was founded in 1958, owns 3,700 acres in what is one of the emerging, super quality, realistically priced wine regions of not only Spain, but all of Western Europe, Campo de Borja. The soils tend to be dominated by a white chalkiness with considerable alluvial gravel and pebbles. The climate is continental, meaning extremely hot summers and cold winters with some influence from the nearby Ebro River. The vineyards are not old by Spanish standards, with most of the Grenache planted in the early 1980s, and the Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah in the late 1990s. Most of the wines see no oak, and are fermented and aged in stainless steel under strict temperature and quality conditions. Importer: Value Wines from Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA, tel. (781) 461-5767; Fax (781) 461-2570; www.jorgeordonez.com

This red marries ripe fruit to a firm backbone, offering black cherry and blackberry flavors. A bit jammy and sweet, with vanilla and licorice notes, focused by firm tannins and citrusy acidity. Drink now through 2016. 1,400 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Campo de Borja Select to Add