The superb 2011 Exopto is an unusual blend of 60% Graciano, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha fermented in 1,500-liter oak vats. It’s quite dark and shows the personality of the Graciano, intelligently balanced by a good amount of Tempranillo and just a dollop of Garnacha. Fruits of the forest, baking spices and pepper, licorice make its appearance in the nose while the medium-bodied palate shows tight tannins and lively acidity. Modern, well-made and true to its origins. It will require a bit of time in the bottle, but it should give years of pleasure. Drink 2015-2020. The proper name of the company is Rug Vino, which is a pun in Spanish because all the founders were friends and were into rugby, of which only Bordeaux-born Tom Puyabert remains. He aims at expressing the terroir and character of the old vines through blending different grape varieties and zones (Garnacha mainly from Alfaro and the rest from Abalos) and using only the autochthonous yeast from the grapes. He crafts 60,000 bottles of fine wine per year. Imported by Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 740-4724; www.oleimports.com

Plush and polished, this rich red delivers mouthfilling flavors of plum, dark chocolate, licorice and mineral, with well-integrated tannins, fresh acidity and a smoky, spicy finish. Harmonious. Drink now through 2021. 683 cases made, 400 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add