The 2009 Petit Verdot has a very fragrant nose with macerated black cherries and creme de cassis enveloped in a veneer of creamy oak that does not impede the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with salacious dark, creamy cassis and dark chocolate-tinged fruit on the entry. It is beautifully balanced, almost symmetrical, with a long, crisp, sensual finish that demonstrates just what this esoteric variety can do in the right hands. This is an accomplished Petit Verdot that deserves cellaring. Drink 2013-2020. Abadia Retuerta is located just outside the DO of Ribera del Duero. It was once part of the Vega Sicilia estate and was revived when a Swiss pharmaceutical company purchased the land in 1991. They own 210 hectares of vineyard dispersed over 54 plots interpolated with pine forest, and the wines are vinified in a state-of-the-art winery. The premium wines spend 14 to 18 months in French and American oak (64% and 36% respectively).Importer: Christopher Cannan; www.europvin.com

The 2006 Petit Verdot was aged in barrel for 24 months. Purple/black in color, it displays an enticing nose of toasty oak, pencil lead, mineral, espresso, licorice, and blackberry. Sweetly fruited, ripe, and full-flavored, it lacks only complexity. However, that may come with another 4-5 years of cellaring. This behemoth has 6-8 years of aging potential and a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2026, probably longer. Abadia Retuerta is an excellent winery located just outside of the Ribera del Duero demarcation line.Importer: Kobrand; www.kobrandwine.com

What a monster this is. Aromas of roasted meat, compost, leather, berry and plum give it a rugged bouquet, while the superripe palate is big as sin and loaded with ultrasweet blackberry, soy and peppery flavors. Succulent, chocolaty and dark, it’s like an earthquake in your mouth. Expensive for what you get, and recommended solely for fans of huge, modern wines. Imported by Kobrand.——M.S.(10/1/2009)—— 88

The 2005 Petit Verdot (of which there is just over 80 cases), was aged for 24 months in new French oak. It is saturated purple in color with a classy perfume of smoke, vanilla, blackberry, and blueberry compote. Spicy, layered, and full on the palate, this rich, intense, lengthy wine will evolve for another 4-6 years and have a drinking window from 2012-2025.Abadia Retuerta, located just outside the Ribera del Duero boundary, has turned out four excellent releases in the 2005 vintage.Importer: Kobrand Corporation, New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300