The 2006 Aro is a glass-coating opaque purple color. The nose offers up mineral, damp earth notes, balsamic, blackberry, and black cherry. Dense, savory, and concentrated on the palate, it will benefit from another 6-8 years of cellaring, although it should be approachable at an earlier age than previous vintages. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

This inky bruiser is closed and brooding now, but a bit of air reveals rich fruit, plenty of toasty, smoky oak and complex mineral, sanguine, licorice and spice notes. Firm and polished, this is a fine example of the alta expresión style. Best after 2011. 81 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Deep and lavishly oaked, with aromas of toasted hickory, purple grapes, gaseous earth and black, heavy fruit. Nothing is shy or subtle here; it’s an erupting volcano of hard black fruit, tannin, hickory smoke and heat. It shows flashes of elegance and potential but also a lot of raw power. Needs a minimum of 3–4 years of cellar time to soften up. Tempranillo with 30% Graciano. ——M.S.(10/1/2010)—— 91