Slightly more muscular, as it is aged in French oak for over 10 months, the 2009 Vega Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon (3,000 cases) is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet has been grown in Navarra since long before the phylloxera epidemic hit in the late 1800s to wipe the vineyards. Usually harvested in early November, this wine displays plenty of creme de cassis and a touch of vanilla that is subtle and well-measured in a medium to full-bodied, deep, rich style with licorice, black currants, underbrush and a hint of cedar wood. Quite a special wine, it should drink well for 2-3 years and is a remarkable value for Cabernet Sauvignon. Bodegas Nekeas is located in the town of Anorbe, north of Navarra in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Owned by eight separate families, it is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to value wines that Jorge Ordonez discovered at the beginning of his career. I was a huge fan of these wines when I was covering Spain, and I remain so after tasting through them for this review of the Jorge Ordonez portfolio. Importer: Value Wines from Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA, tel. (781) 461-5767; Fax (781) 461-2570; www.jorgeordonez.com