Two from Jumilla, Spain -- 2005 Juan Gil and 2003 Casa de la Ermita Tinto Crianza

Both bought at Madison Wine Shop. Jumilla is one of the youngest Spanish wine appellations, established only in 1996. Monastrel is the typical grape.

Juan Gil -- $16

This wine is 100% Monastrel. The nose is jammy with a little spice. At first it seemed overly peppery with a hot finish. As it breathed, it opened up and became much more balanced and complex.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the '04 vintage a 90.

Our rating for the '05: B--

Casa de la Ermita -- $15

This wine is 40% Monastrel with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. It is aged in new French oak, and the vanilla really comes through in the nose, as does blackberry. A dry, balanced wine with a bit of a smoky finish.

Wine Advocate named the winery one of the best of 2001.

Our rating: B

Mark, Sasha, Mike and Rebecca