The 2008 Old Vines Reserva sees 12 months in mainly used American oak. It is not quite as fresh and convincing as the Crianza on the nose, while the palate is a little bitter and cuts away swiftly on the finish. Drink now. Importer: Quintessential Wines, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 266-5209

The 2006 Old Vines Reserva (100% Tempranillo) is light purple in color with herbal aromas and a spicy palate. It has ample layered fruit, a smooth texture, decent volume, and a medium-long finish. Drink this tasty offering over the next 4-5 years. Navarro Lopez’s new releases once again offer considerable value. Importer: Quintessential, Napa, CA; www.quintessentialwines.com

Smells green and leafy, with tomato leaf, oregano and grassy aromas. Feels clampy and biting, with gritty tannins and roasted, slightly bitter flavors of black plum and pepper. Burnt tasting on the finish. ——M.S.(2/1/2012)—— 84

The 2005 Old Vines Reserva is dark ruby-colored with aromas of kirsch and cherry. Ripe, sweet, and savory, it contains a bit of structure and a lengthy finish. Drink this friendly wine over the next 3-4 years. Navarro Lopez’s new releases offer considerable value. Importer: Quintessential, Napa, CA; www.quintessentialwines.com

Colorful and fresh, with a bit of latex/Band-Aid on the nose to go with bacon, raspberry and oak-based maple aromas. The feel is stout and chewy, while flavors of cassis, cherry and chocolate work well together. An oaky customer but a good and tasty one. Drink now and over the next two years.——M.S.(8/1/2010)—— 88