The 2005 Clos de Torribas Crianza, a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, is aged 12 months in American oak. Medium ruby red in color, it offers up a pleasing perfume of cedar, cherry blossom, cassis, and strawberry. Forward and silky on the palate with no hard edges, this savory effort is an excellent value for drinking over the next 3 years. Bodegas Pinord is a family-owned estate dating back more than 150 years. The existing winery and cellar was constructed in 1942 and has a capacity of over 5,000,000 bottles. Both sparkling (Cava) and still wines are produced from Penedes and neighboring Priorat.Importer: Andres Arribas, Wine Associates, Whitehouse, NJ; Tel: (908) 534-8946

A bit brown/brickish in color, with an earthy nose of spice, cinnamon, tobacco and baked fruit. It’s a traditional-style Tempranillo with some Rioja-like character; it shows dried fruit, citrus peel and tobacco flavors, and then a light leafy finish. Drink now.——M.S.(11/1/2009)—— 85