This moderate red is lightly oaked, with spice and graphite accents to the cassis, black currant and grilled plum flavors. Lightly dusty tannins chime in on the sanguine finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. 590 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Empordà Select to Add

The 2009 Ara has a generous nose of blackberry, mocha and Moroccan spices, shrouded with a touch of brettanomyces. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, caressing entry and although it is missing a little backbone, it is smooth and harmonious with a fine dusting of dark cocoa towards the spicy finish. Drink now-2015. The wines from Oliver Conti just missed my report from Catalonia earlier this year. Importer: Winebow, New York, NY; www.winebow.com

The 2008 Ara is a blend of 58% Merlot with the balance Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak. Fresh herbs, clove, olives, and cinnamon aromas inform the nose of this incipiently complex red. Savory, ripe, and tasty, it has the structure to evolve for 1-2 years and will continue to deliver enjoyment through 2018. Importer: Winebow, New York, NY; www.winebow.com