The 2008 La Montesa is made up of 65% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, and 5% Mazuelo aged for 12 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak. It gives up a pleasant nose of cedar, violets, spice box, cherry, and plum leading to a medium-bodied wine with adequate depth and volume, ample spicy fruit, and moderate length. This solid effort can be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years. The Palacios Remondo wines are made by the renowned Alvaro Palacios from the family’s home estate in Rioja.Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; www.foliowine.com

The 2007 La Montesa is composed of 60% Garnacha, 35% Tempranillo, and 5% Mazuelo aged for 12 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak. Aromas of cedar, tobacco, white pepper, spice box, and black cherry lead to a medium-bodied wine with a silky texture, savory flavors, and excellent balance. It will evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; www.foliowine.com

Candied and sweet smelling but still honest on the nose, with spice, cinnamon and black cherry aromas. The palate is fresh and healthy feeling, with mildly creamy cherry, berry and mocha flavors. Finishes creamy as well, with lasting sweetness. 60% Garnacha with 35% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo.——M.S.(5/1/2011)—— 88

The purple-colored 2006 La Montesa is 55% Garnacha, 40% Tempranillo, and 5% Mazuelo aged for 12 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak. The nose gives up scents of cedar, leather, mineral, incense, black cherry, and blackberry. This is followed by a structured wine that is a bit short on depth. The flavors are savory and lingering and the wine has some finesse. Two more years in bottle may well fill it out.Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; www.foliowine.com