Abadia Retuerta 2001 Viño de la Tierra de Castilla y León Selección Especial ($27). A blend of Tempranillo (75%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Merlot (5%), this supple wine offers ripe, integrated red fruit flavors supported by mineral and toasty oak notes, with a smooth, elegant finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (World Wide Wine 10/06)

Dominio de Tares

2004 Mencía Bierzo Baltos ($16). More elegant than the 2003, with more mineral lacing the black cherry fruit, and a subtle earthiness that emerges on the finish and offers a nice contrast to the mouthwatering acidity. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (World Wide Wine 10/06)

2003 Mencia Bierzo ($16). A heck of a deal! Made from 100% Mencia, a local variety, this full-bodied red offers black cherry aromas and flavors, with dusty tannins, smoke and coffee accents, picking up a fresh mineral note on the full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (World Wide Wine 10/06)

Oroya 2005 Vino de la Tierra de Castilla ($8). This is a Spanish-made white wine that is crafted specifically to pair with sushi. It is an off dry blend of aromatic white wine grapes (Airen, Macabeo and Muscat) that offers vibrant tropical fruit and floral notes with a touch of lemony brightness. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/06)