The 2008 Valcanto Monastrell (100%) spent 4 months in American oak. Purple-colored with a nose of underbrush, spice box, plum, and blueberry, on the palate it is firm with ample savory fruit and moderate length. Drink it over the next 3 years. Bodegas Piqueras was one of the leaders in establishing the DO of Almansa (located just north of Jumilla). Importer: Winebow Inc., New York, NY; www.winebow.com