The otherworldly 2004 Finca el Picon is sourced from a 2-hectare parcel of Tempranillo vines. It spent 26 month in new French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. It presents an ethereal aromatic array of toasty new oak, smoke, pencil lead, violets, cinnamon, and blackberry jam. This is followed by a full-bodied, rich, lavish wine with very intense flavors, a velvety texture, and enough stuffing to evolve for up to a decade in the cellar. It will provide pleasure through 2035. Only 400 bottles were made available to the USA market.Importer: Antalva Wine Imports, Los Angeles, CA; (310) 695-6260 www.pagodeloscapellanes.com

Lavish oak imparts coffee, toast and vanilla flavors to this modern red, yet there's plenty of wild berry, tart cherry and boysenberry fruit for balance, along with vibrant acidity to keep it lively. Exuberant and exotic. Drink now through 2015. 250 cases made, 33 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

Bright, snappy and somewhat high in acidity, but also vibrant and excellent as a whole. The fruit falls squarely into the plum, raspberry and red currant spectrum, while that acidity pushes the wine to run and run. A dynamo with length, character, structure and angularity. Probably not for those who prefer dark, lush RDDs. Drinkable now but could still use another five years of time on its side. ——M.S.(10/1/2010)—— 92