The 2009 Los Pinos Old Vines Grenache spent 4 months in French oak. The stay in barrel seems to have resulted in a rounder, slightly richer expression of Grenache than the Vina Alarba cuvee and is worth the $2 premium. It is an excellent value. Bodegas y Vinedos Del Jalon is the producer of the well known Vina Alarba label as well as higher level wines from the Garnacha capital of Calatayud.Importer: F.L. Navarro, The Artisan Collection, Brooklyn, NY; Tel. (718) 596-0722

The 2008 Los Pinos Old Vines Grenache (100%) spent 4 months in French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it gives up a bouquet of cedar, leather, lavender, and black cherry. With a bit of concealed structure, it could well evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now and over the next 4-5 years. Bodegas y Vinedos del Jalon’s current portfolio is first class from top to bottom.Importer: The Artisan Collection, New York, NY; tel. (212) 608-0722