The 2008 Garnacha also spent 10 months in barrel. It delivers an expressive perfume of Asian spices, incense, lavender, mineral, and black cherry. Sweet, round, and dense on the palate, this concentrated offering will benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age and be at its finest from 2012 to 2020. Pagos del Moncayo’s new releases are all outstanding. Importer: Axial Wines USA; www.axialvinos.com

Immediately this wine stands out from most Aragon-region Garnachas. It’s deep and poised, with smoky blackberry aromas. The palate is deftly woven, saturated and meaty but also creamy and smooth, with mocha and controlled tannins. Freshness is not lost despite its modern, clean power. Drink now through 2013. ——M.S.(10/1/2010)—— 90