The 2006 Mauro is not quite up to the lofty standards of the 2005 but it is outstanding in its own right. Deep crimson-colored, it exhibits a nose of balsam wood, pencil lead, violets, licorice, and blackberry. On the palate it has a racy, elegant personality, sweet fruit, and tasty flavors but it comes off as just s bit compact. Time in bottle should help it fill out but it will never be as generous as the 2004 or 2005. Bodegas Mauro must settle for the more generic DO of Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon. The estate has 35 hectares in production with winemaking in the hands of Alberto and Eduardo Garcia. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com

Blackberry, chocolate and spice flavors are focused and expressive in this polished, modern red. Medium-bodied, well-balanced and firm. Drink now through 2010. 25,000 cases made. -TM