The flagship offering, the 2001 Numanthia, is fashioned from a 70-100 year old Tinta de Toro vineyard planted at a 2300 foot elevation. After a 28 day maceration, the wine undergoes malolactic in barrel, is aged 19 months in new French oak, and is bottled without fining or filtration. The spectacular, opaque purple-colored 2001 offers an explosive nose of melted licorice, barbecue smoke, blackberries, creme de cassis, camphor, and graphite. Full-bodied with gorgeously rich, concentrated fruit, a layered texture, and tremendous purity, it can be drunk young, but should hit its prime in 1-2 years, and last for 10-15. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Good saturated ruby. Slightly reduced aromas of blackberry, violet, espresso and bitter chocolate. Suave and smooth in the mouth, with firm flavors of blackberry, violet and licorice. More perfumed and vibrant than the Termes. Finishes with big, toothdusting, fine-grained tannins and excellent length and lift. More refined than the excellent 2000 bottling.

Purplish crimson. Very, very sweet and floral nose. Almost over the top. Great whack of sweet fruit is followed by peppery oak corset. Still very young and awkward. Lots of acidity and tannin. Velvet start, but metal wool finish. (JR)