2006 El Nido El Nido

($141) Opaque purple. Pungent aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, sandalwood, patchouli and minerals, with a smoky overtone. Thick dark berry flavors are leavened by a zesty mineral quality and complicated by violet pastille, black tea and vanilla. Extremely alluring wine with strong finishing sweetness and spicy persistence. This refuses to let go of the palate yet manages to come off as graceful rather than overbearing. (Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA)

Author: Josh Raynolds

Issue: September/October 2009

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Monastrell.Quite similar to the 2005 but more marked by sweet, toasty, spicy oak on the nose. An attractive note of crushed herbs as well as all that bright pure fruit. Very sweet and concentrated on the palate - so much so that it tastes as if there is residual sugar. Lots of effort but too much of a good thing. For lovers of fruit bombs. I hope it calms down a bit with age. (JH)

Author: Julia Harding MW

The 2006 El Nido is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell aged for 26 months in new oak. Aromas of wild blueberry and black currant are room-filling. Dense, layered, and totally hedonistic, it has serous depth and concentration, impeccable balance, and a 60-second finish. A bit more structured than Clio, it will have a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2026.

Author: Jay Miller

This plush, vibrant red offers black cherry, blackberry, chocolate and espresso flavors in a rich texture, with ripe, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, giving way to a spicy finish. A modern style, focused and deep. Cabernet Sauvignon and Monastrell.

Author: Thomas Matthews