The 2007 Reserva Marti is a blend of 30% Syrah, 25% Merlot, 25% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from 51-year-old vines, aged for 24 months in 200% Allier French oak (i.e., the barrel is renewed after 12 months). Although I am not a fan of excessive new oak, I must admit that it handles the wood well with its plush ripe red berry, wild strawberry and dark plum fruit and touches of forest floor and truffle. That new oak does impinge upon the palate, making it difficult to discern the fruit profile, although I appreciate its smooth, harmonious texture. Perhaps with three of four years bottle age it will develop more personality, but as I leave the wine in the glass, the oak seems to become more pronounced. Albet I Noya is based at the 13th century Can Vendrell de la Codina estate, where since 1903, four generations of the Albet family have made wine. Of the 122 hectares, 76 hectares are under vine on the western slopes of the Ordal mountain range. There is a strong sense of organic farming here, presciently incepted by Josep Maria Albet I Noya way back in 1978. Importer: Opici Wines , www.opiciwines.com