Enate Chardonnay-234, Somomtano, Spain DO 2001
Price $11
Rating 90
The name "234" is from the single vineyard block in the Enate valley. A challenge to the firm's marketing of the wine in China, the numbers "234" have a negative association with death. Somehow, the wine's positive notes overcome this Asian stigma. This chardonnay is explosive with flavors of orange citrus, hazelnut toffee, lime, exotic floral tapering off with tropical fruit notes like mango and banana.

"This is the perfect match for various pastas, shellfish and white meat," suggests Carlos Nunez, export manager.

Enate Chardonnay "Barrica", Somomtano, Spain DO 2000
Price $20
Rating 94
The label design is from art created by Antonio Saura, commissioned by the Enate winery. The winery embraces the emerging art of Spain and contains a world-class gallery, that is open to the public during visiting hours.

"There is a lovely deep yellow color, and complex aromas of hazelnut and toasted bread,as well as tropical fruits like pineapple and grapefruit," says Carlos Nunez, export manager, "so try this wine with white meats, fish, smoked foods and strong cheese."

There are big oak flavors, but the exotic fruit flavors offer good support to the wood, followed by a creamy, long finish.

Enate Cabernet-Merlot, Somomtano, Spain DO 2000
Price $10
Rating 89
"We call this wine democratic because it goes with all foods," says Carlos Nunez, export manager. There are rich flavors of black cherry, plum, and dark roasted coffee, with complex earthiness revealing itself during the long finish.

Enate Merlot-Merlot, Somomtano, Spain DO 1999
Price $28
Rating 92
This bright and vibrant, red fruit packed wine is such a good merlot, they named it twice, thus the hyphen double name. "It is a wonderful, wonderful wine, sort of like New York, New York," says the winery spokesperson, explaining the double name.

The wine is complex, spicy, with eucalyptus, cacao, strawberry jam and smoky notes. Try this wine with hot seared beef, seasoned with cracked peppercorns and minced garlic.

Enate Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserva, Somomtano, Spain DO 1997
Price $19
Rating 90
"The bouquet is reminiscent of earthy fruit, redcurrants and blackberries with hints of truffles, cinnamon, mint, vanilla and pepper," says Carlos Nunez, export manager. There are some green hints of bell pepper or capsicum within the fruit flavors. This can indicate a wine that might improve with age, or sometimes one that is under ripe. This reviewer is betting that this complex red will improve with age.

Enate Reserva Especial Reserva, Somomtano, Spain DO 1998
Price $60
Rating 95
The original art design for the label is by artist Antoni Tapies. The aromas are of red fruit, herb, and cedar. The flavors are restrained, but powerful red and dark fruit. There are nuances of plum, bilberry and blackberry. The wine is elegant and should be cellared a decade to allow the full potential of this winner.

Enate Rosada, Somomtano, Spain DO 2001
Price $10
Rating 89
The label art is designed by Victor Mira. This light, refreshing wine was made in stainless steel with no oak. It is very dry and should not be confused with sweeter pink wines such as white zinfandel. There are notes of cherry and cassis in this crisp, clean wine.

Try this wine with lighter foods, such as tapas or appetizers. It would be a great match with a homemade hamburger with lots of whole-grain brown mustard and tomato slices on a whole-grain, toasted bun. Add a big, sour pickle slice to that equation.