The 2006 Bellum Providencia is 100% Monastrell sourced from a single vineyard over 50 years of age. Ninety percent of the wine spent 11 months in French oak and the balance was unoaked. It offers up an alluring bouquet of cedar, tobacco, underbrush, and blueberry leading to a layered, full-flavored, vibrant wine with excellent balance, superior grip, and a pure finish. This pleasure-bent effort will develop in the bottle for another 2-3 years but can be enjoyed now.Importer: Patrick Mata, Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; www.oleimports.com

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The 2004 Bellum Providencia raises the bar even higher. Made from over 50-year-old Monastrell vines and aged 8 months in French oak, it yields a remarkable aromatic array of lavender, blue and black fruits, blackberry liqueur, and grilled meat. Generously layered on the palate, this smoothly-textured wine has no hard edges. Hedonistically styled, readers who are not into pleasure should beware of this wine. It will drink well for 4-6 years for those able to exercise self-control. The Bellum project, in which Ole Imports is involved, started in 2002. It is dedicated to showing what can be achieved from 100% old-vine Monastrell in the up-and-coming D.O. of Yecla. It goes without saying that the price-to-quality relationship of these wines is extraordinary.Importer: Patrick Mata, Ole Imoprts, New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 576-6120