The 2009 Roble was aged in barrel for 6 months. Deep purple in color (a trademark of the 2009 vintage in Toro), it offers up an inviting nose of cedar, spice box, espresso, licorice, and blackberry. Moderately structured on the palate, this savory, succulent offering will evolve for 2-3 years but can be approached now. Bodegas Tardencuba is a 33 acre estate whose Tinta de Toro vines are all fermented with native yeasts and bottled without fining or filtration.Importer: F.L. Navarro, The Artisan Collection, Brooklyn, NY; Tel. (718) 596-0722

Bodegas Tardencuba’s 2008 Roble is 100% Tinta de Toro sourced from 30-year-old vines and aged for 6 months in French and American oak. Purple-colored, it has an exceptionally perfumed nose of Asian spices, incense, mineral, and blackberry. Soft and easy-going on the palate, this flavorful effort is an excellent value for drinking over the next 5 years. Importer: The Artisan Collection, New York, NY; tel. (212) 608-0722

Both Tardencuba wines are 100% Tinta de Toro. The dark crimson-colored 2006 Tardencuba Roble spent six months in French and American oak. It gives off slightly herbal, earthy aromas along with violets and blackberry. Ripe, supple, and tasty, this nicely balanced, moderately lengthy wine will provide pleasure over the next five years. Importer: The Artisan Collection, New York, NY; Tel: (212) 608-0722