2007 Caracol Serrano Jumilla – $7

This wine is made high in the mountains of the wine region Jumilla, which is currently the hottest region in Spain.  The wine is a blend of Monastrell (known as Mouvedre in the U.S.), Cabernet and Syrah.  It’s smooth and hearty with spice up front and finishing with spice, caramel and chocolate notes.

It would go wonderfully with a nice pork loin or rack of lamb.  At $7 a bottle, it’s a huge steal. Enjoy!

2007 Wrongo Dongo

Another Monastrell from Jumilla, Spain, price $7.99. Ya, I know, what were they thinking when they named this stuff. Nice ruby color, tastes of Dr.Pepper, spices and a touch of Kayo chocolate soda, most of the flavor is upfront, but the spiciness does linger. A lighter style. Not in the same league as the Altos (see review), but very drinkable, with food and by itself.

If you are looking for a under $10 wine try the Spain section of your local shop, your odds of blindly grabbing a really nice wine is better there than any other section. Even if you select a wine with a dumb name.

2007 Olivares Altos De la Hoya Monastrell

Single vineyard from the Jumilla region of Spain.(Monastrell is called Mourvedre elsewhere) This a very terroir driven wine, old vines and wild yeast fermentation, all for $9.99. Very dark purple in color, it has a nice complex nose and tastes of dark fruit with cherry tartness. A well made wine with good structure, Parker gave it 90 pts. This is one of those wines that makes you ask yourself how Spain can give you all this elegance in a wine for 10 bucks, California certainly can’t do it.

2006 Bombing Range Red – $16

A Washington State red blend, mostly Cabernet (78%), Cab Franc (10%), Syrah (8%) and Mourvedre (4%) ($16). Small production wine from McKinley Springs Winery. A very tasty wine, lots of dark ripe fruit, soft and smooth. Starts out like a California Cab then mellows out, soft tannins, no sharp edges. Not a “wow” more like a “nice” wine, and there is nothing wrong with that. Not widely distributed, but worth trying if you can find it.