2007 BENJAMIN ROMEO CARMEN GRAN RESERVA

(97% tempranillo, the rest mazuelo, graciano and garnacha; aged in older oak for 42 months): Opaque ruby. Exotically perfumed scents of dark fruit preserves, potpourri, mocha and woodsmoke. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering intense blackberry and cherry-cola flavors and a touch of candied lavender. Dusty tannins come up late and add shape to the long, sweet, smoky finish.