The 2009 Don David Tannat received the same elevage as its cousins. Purple/black in color with an impressive nose of smoke, tar, espresso, licorice, and assorted black fruits, in the glass it opens to reveal a surprisingly well-balanced wine. Given 2-3 years of additional cellaring, this savory effort may well make my rating appear stingy. Not many readers of this journal are going to cellar a $16 wine, but for those who feel adventurous, it might be a trip to cellar a couple of these. Michel Torino is a reliable producer of value-priced wines from Cafayate.Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Hailing from Salta, this is a concentrated, fully oaked Tannat with deep red berry aromas topped with lemony oak, pencil lead and coconut. Feels tight as a box of nails, with zingy acidity framing tangy raspberry, currant, woodspice and peppery flavors. Aggressive stuff that requires airing and food.——M.S.(3/1/2012)—— 87