Besllum

The 2008 Besllum is composed of 45% Garnacha, 45% Carinena, and 10% Syrah aged for 16 months in new French oak. Also deeply colored, it displays an alluring bouquet of wood smoke, exotic spices, incense, lavender, blueberry, and black cherry. In the glass it displays opulence, loads of sweet fruit, and outstanding volume. Give it 2–3 years to fill out and drink it from 2013 to 2023.

This might catch your attention with its fresh herbal notes before the blue fruit flavors come on strong. The wine’s intensity and depth of flavor are supported by crisp acidity, outlining its refreshing side. A red for estofado de liebre.

Robust on the bouquet, with ample red berry fruit and vanilla. The palate has a deep, layered feel and flavors of plum, berry and peppery spice. A tight blend of Carignan, Garnacha and Syrah that’s forward and wiry, with power in reserve. Drink now through 2015.

I spent some time in Montsant a couple of years back, and this wine is a great indicator of what is possible in this region. Neighboring Priorat gets all the press so Monstant tends to have values such as this. It smells like a $50 bottle of wine. It’s dark, fairly rich and has that spicy minerality the soil imparts to wines in this area.