The 2005 Costers de Vinas Viejas is aged for 16 months in new French oak. The wine is a blend of 50% Carinena, 48% Garnacha, and 2% Merlot. Purple-colored, it has an other-worldly perfume of pain grille, grilled meat, spice cabinet, espresso, mineral, wild blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a powerful, masculine, intense Priorat with gobs of flavor, 8-10 years of cellaring potential, and a very long finish. It will be at its peak from 2018 to 2040. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

(50% carinena, 48% garnacha and 2% merlot) Inky violet. Vibrant cherry, cassis and violet aromas are deepened by smoky bacon, mocha and toasty oak. Tightly wound, with firmly structured dark berry flavors and no flab. Picks up a spicy quality on the impressively long, juicy finish, which offers an intriguing, rooty cola flavor.