($14, Las Rocas USA): Spain remains a leading source for high quality reasonably priced wines, such as this one.  It’s a boisterous wine, suitable for grilled lamb and the like, but balances its 15.2% stated alcohol with more than just fruit flavors.  To be sure, there are plenty of those, ranging from dark strawberry-like to plum-like.  But spice and subtle earthy notes hold your interest.  Mild tannins make it suitable for current consumption, but its size makes it more suitable with robust fare as opposed to a sipping red before dinner.  It’s a great value.
88 Michael Apstein Sep 25, 2012