2002 Embruix de Vall Llach

The soft 2002 Embruix, a blend of 50% Grenache, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Carignan, is a pleasant, straightforward effort displaying notions of blueberries, crushed rocks, and cherries. Consume it over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

(a young-vines blend based on 50% garnacha and 45% cabernet sauvignon) Bright medium ruby. Floral aromas of cassis, bitter chocolate and violet. Lush, sweet and open-knit, offering a captivating sugar/acid balance. The black fruit flavors are slightly pinched, but the fairly tannic finish shows very good length. This is Vall Llach's entry-level bottling.