The 2008 Les Sorts Sycar is a blend of 60% Samso and 40% Garnacha sourced from 80-100 year old vines and aged for 14 months in new French and American oak. Cedar, smoke, underbrush, violets, blueberry, and blackberry aromas inform the nose of an incipiently complex, plush, full-flavored offering with outstanding depth, concentration, and length. Give this tasty effort 1-2 years to fully blossom and drink it through 2020. Celler El Masroig is the largest cooperative winery in Montsant. Their portfolio generally contains many excellent values.Importer: Bryce McNamee, Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA; Tel: (914) 954-6583

The 2008 Les Sorts Sycar is a blend of 60% Carinena and 40% Syrah, aged in new and one-year-old French oak. There is a nagging flatness to the bouquet, which is a shame, because the palate offers some pleasant cranberry and raspberry fruit, with a focused, nervy finish. If this wine were a little cheaper, it would certainly be a good buy. Drink now-2015. Celler El Masroig is Monstant’s largest co-operative. It was founded in 1917 between grape and olive growers and consists of 300 members who tend 500 hectares of vineyard. Winemaker Carles Esolar produces admirable wines that represent good value. Importer: Bryce McNamee, Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA; Tel: (914) 954-6583; in the UK, www.indigowine.com

(60% samso and 40% syrah): Saturated ruby. Boysenberry and cassis on the pungent, mineral-accented nose. Pliant black and blue fruit flavors are lifted by a zesty mineral note and pick up smokiness and spiciness with air. Very fresh and focused on the finish, which leaves notes of black pepper and violet behind. This should age well on its balance.