A balanced, medium-bodied red, showing light tannins and an easy-drinking mix of ripe black plum and dried cherry, with accents of hot stone, Mediterranean scrub and graphite. Garnatxa, Carinyena and Syrah. Drink now. 42 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Terra Alta Select to Add

This svelte red delivers a focused lineup of ripe raspberry, cherry and cedar notes flanked by oranges zest, mineral and tea elements. Nicely crafted, with plush tannins. Drink now through 2026. 1,000 cases made, 180 cases imported.??–GS??Region: Spain / Terra Alta Select to Add

This firm red delivers mineral and sanguine notes that frame a core of plum and licorice flavors, revealing a balance of savory and fruity character. Shows depth, with well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity. Drink now through 2026. 672 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Terra Alta Select to Add

The 2016 L'Estel is a blend of 50% Garnacha, with 25% each Syrah and old Cari?ena from different vineyards from a ripe vintage. The different varieties fermented separately in concrete and matured (also separately) in Austrian and French oak vats for 14 months, then they were blended and bottled after two months. It feels quite oaky and a little heady, polished and soft, with a commercial profile. It's darker than others in the portfolio and has riper fruit and a mealy, biscuity character. 24,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2018.

The new 2015 L'Estel was also available for tasting when I encountered their wines for a second occasion. This blend of Garnacha, Syrah and old Cari?ena is a selection from their best vineyards from a warm and healthy vintage. The different varieties were fermented separately in stainless steel and oak vats. There is a creamy note here with some spices and a core of red and some black fruit. 2015 was a very warm and dry vintage and the wine shows surprisingly fresh for those conditions. There is great harmony and balance here with a more commercial profile that makes it easier to understand by a wider audience than say, La Peluda. 8,000 bottles were produced in 2015. It had only been bottled a few days before I tasted it, in September 2016.