The 2006 Castillo de Almansa Reserva is composed of 60% Monastrell and 40% Tempranillo aged in seasoned French and American oak for 12 months. Purple-colored, it displays a perfume of spice box, violets, blueberry, and blackberry. Structured on the palate but balanced with plenty of spicy blue and black fruit, it is likely to evolve for 1-2 years but at this price, who will be cellaring it? It should drink well through 2016 if not longer. Bodegas Piqueras was one of the leaders in establishing the DO of Almansa (located just north of Jumilla). Importer: Winebow Inc., New York, NY; www.winebow.com

A light red, mixing bell pepper and dried herb with hints of earth and sour red fruit. Monastrell and Cencibel.??–AN??Region: Spain / Almansa Select to Add

Leather, roasted berry and barnyard make for a rustic, warm nose. The palate is grippy, with chewy, roasted black fruit flavors. Meaty, lasting, deep and dense, but also rubbery and a little low on acidic vitality. A Monastrell-Tempranillo blend to drink now. ——M.S.(4/1/2011)—— 86