This has such fresh and attractively ripe blueberry and dark-plum aromas with hints of purple cherries, too. Very fresh on the nose. The palate is silky, concentrated and very plush with such suave and fine tannins, carrying fresh blackberry, plum and chocolate flavors long. Impressive. Drink or hold.

I first met Reserva Real at a Decanter blind tasting, and have followed it ever since. A selection of Bordeaux varieties on quick-draining soils derived from Silurian slate, unique in the region. The Cabernet was planted in 1964/65 with cuttings acquired by Torres’ friend Jean Leon, in Bordeaux. Plum, liquorice and Mediterranean herbs abound, with notes of pencil lead.

Full ruby-red. Expansive, smoke- and spice-tinged cherry, cassis, vanilla and floral oil scents and a hint of pipe tobacco. Stains the palate with concentrated red and dark fruit, mocha and succulent herb flavors that take on a spicy nuance as the wine opens up. Shows fine clarity and powerful, spicy thrust on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which is given shape by chewy, building tannins. Aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels.

There are notes of graphite and tar on the nose of the luxury cuvée 2015 Reserva Real, and it also developes creamy notes of cocoa, roasted coffee beans and ripe berries with some Mediterranean herbs thrown into the mix. This has the luxurious and voluptuous character many of these prestige reds seem to portray, with the sleek and polished Torres style. The price? That's another story... It's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from Penedès that matured in new barriques for 18 months. 2,796 bottles and 131 magnums produced. It as bottled in August 2017.- LG

Generous and expressive, this red delivers black cherry, currant, toast, cedar and loamy earth flavors, backed by well-integrated tannins and lively acidity. Shows breadth and depth. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2027. 25 cases imported. — TM