Cherry pomegranate mountain herb and smoke notes mingle in this expressive red. There's a gentle texture yet well-integrated tannins provide structure and bright acidity enlivens the floral finish. Mazuelo Syrah and Garnacha. Drink now through 2015. -TM

Checking in as a blend of 40% Mazuelo (aka Carinena) 40% Syrah and 20% Garnacha that was aged for 12 months in French oak the 2009 Cellers Can Blau Montsant delivers an intense pure array of crème de cassis pit fruits sweet spice licorice and smoke on the nose. Structurally the wine is far from a fruit bomb and shows loads of edge and cut with a crisp texture juicy (almost racy) acidity that's balanced by sweet fruit and a clean lengthy finish. This needs a solid hour in a decant to really shine and should drink well for 5-8 years if not longer. Serious stuff for not much buck. - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2009 Can Blau is made up of 40% Carinena 40% Syrah and 20% Garnacha aged for 12 months in French oak. Wood smoke spice box incense lavender black cherry and plum aromas are followed by a mouth-filling round dense wine with outstanding grip and length. It over-delivers in a big way. Drink it over the next 6-8 years. - Jay Miller