Impressive Spanish reds emerge from this up and coming star of Castilla y Leon, a region just outside Ribera del Duero. The sweet, concentrated 1999 Mauro possesses abundant quantities of blue and blackberry fruit, graphite, smoke, earth, and wood. This big, rich fruit bomb will drink well for a decade. Importer: a Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897

Tasted just days after bottling, this wine was nevertheless showing well. Rich chocolate and earth aromas complement the red berry and black cherry fruit. Mauro is not huge or overly weighty, but displays notable intensity and persistence of flavor. The finish lingers delicately, folding hints of vanilla, licorice and cinnamon. Editors’ Choice. ——J.C.(11/1/2001)—— 90