($16): Full disclosure:  I gave this wine extra points for value, because it would be hard to do better at the price.  It delivers a marvelous combination of black cherry-like fruitiness — not too much — and a slate-like minerality.  The winemaking team has resisted the temptation to over extract the flavors and tannins or mask them with oak. … Read more

($38, Rare Wine Company): Palacios is one of the winemakers who were responsible for the renaissance of winemaking in this unique region.  It’s easy to see why the vines were abandoned over the years:  steep slopes of solid rock.  A reasonable person could ask, why bother to replant vines here? … Read more

($19, Rare Wine Company): Palacios is one of the most famous and revered names in Spanish winemaking.  Alvaro Palacios, along with others, is credited with the revival of the entire Priorat region.  Now at his family’s estate in Rioja, he is energizing and reconfiguring how people think about wines from that region. … Read more

($40, Rare Wine Company): Almost a decade ago, Oscar Alegre, export manager at Descendientes de J. Palacios, told me, referring to Bierzo, that “Nobody in Spain thinks quality wine comes from here.”   I do not know whether the thinking in Spain has changed, but I can assure you that very high quality, exciting wines come from Bierzo, especially those made by Descendientes de J.… Read more

($9, Vineyard Brands):  To most consumers, Rioja means red.  And to be fair, the vast amount of it is.  Until the last decade or so, the white wine produced in Rioja was not popularity here because it was often oxidized and tired. … Read more

($21): Befitting a Rioja Reserva, there’s healthy dose of savory non fruit flavors that adds complexity and balances the red and black fruitiness of this Tempranillo-based wine.  Indeed, it’s the earthy quality in this mid-weight traditionally framed wine that is captivating. … Read more

($26, Kysela Père et Fils): Though the producer is Bodega la Bastida, make no mistake, the names to remember are Michel Rolland, the internationally renowned oenologist who advising leading Bordeaux estates, and Javier Galarreta, a Spanish wine entrepreneur — hence the “R & G” emblazoned across the label. … Read more

($26, Kysela Père et Fils): A blend of mostly (90%) Tempranillo and Merlot, this, like their Rioja, is a joint venture between the world-famous enologist, Michel Rolland, a Spanish wine entrepreneur, Javier Galarreta, and Bodegas Valtravieso, from whose 200 acres Rolland selected the grapes. … Read more

($12, Frederick Wildman): Rioja Blanco — yes, you read that correctly.  Though 95% of wine in Spain’s famed Rioja region is red, a small — and shrinking — amount of Viura is planted as growers replace that white grape with Tempranillo. … Read more

($30, Quintessential Wines): One of the great things about Rioja is their tradition of aging wine at the winery and then releasing it when it’s mature.  Regulations require a Gran Reserva, which are made only in the best vintages, to be aged for a minimum of five years before release. … Read more

($49, Classical Wines from Spain): Commonly just known as Pesquera, this 2010 Reserva from Ribera del Duero expands on that wine’s dazzling reputation.  It has marvelous minerality, penetration and spice, all wrapped in finely polished tannins that convey a sumptuous texture. … Read more

($22, Classical Wines from Spain): Angel Rodriguez, the owner of Martínsancho, resurrected the Verdejo grape, the traditional cultivar of Rueda in the 1970s. King Juan Carlos of Spain recognized the importance of his work by awarding him the Cross of the Civil Order of Agriculture. … Read more

($22, Classical Wines from Spain): Morgadio’s 2013 is to Rias Baixas what Martínsancho’s 2013 is to Rueda–a classic example of the denominacíon.  If you want to know what all the fuss is about Rias Baixas and its indigenous grape, Albariño, just taste this wine. … Read more

($45, Classical Wines from Spain): The 2008 vintage in Priorat was cooler than usual, producing slightly less concentration, more vibrant wines.  Mas d’En Gil’s style leans toward less massive Priorat than many of the other producers.  The combination of their style and the vintage means that this wine, while still packing plenty of punch, is less muscular than the typical Priorat. … Read more

($16, Classical Wines from Spain): My mantra is producer, producer, producer.  But when I am unfamiliar with a producer, I look at the importer, especially those who specialize in a country or region, because some importers’ portfolio are more consistent than others. … Read more

($23, Classical Wines from Spain): Bierzo may lack the name recognition of Rioja, but its wines can be equally memorable.  The Mencía grape, historically known for making dilute wines from over cropped vines, can make stunning wines, such as this one, when the vines are planted on the rocky hillsides in this northwestern region of Spain. … Read more

($65, Folio Fine Wine Partners): Priorat is one of just two appellations awarded Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status, Spain’s highest official wine category (Rioja is the other).  Producers there are just starting to subdivide the region to show the distinctiveness of the wines from the various villages that comprise the DOCa. … Read more

($25, Folio Fine Wine Partners): Vall Llach, one of Priorat’s top producers, designates fruit from younger vines for their Embruix (bewitched in Catalan dialect).  A 50/50 blend of the traditional varieties (Cariñena and Garnacha) with international ones (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah), it delivers a more modern expression of the appellation.… Read more

($14): Here is another good choice when you need a robust red to go with burgers, skirt steak or even lamb cooked on the grill.  A touch of spice in the finish complements the otherwise bright ripe fruit flavors.  Suave tannins add support but not astringency. … Read more

($14): Las Rocas — as it’s known — is one of those reliable producers who consistently produce a fabulous array of well-priced wines.  Even their rosé — readers know that’s not my favorite category — is stunning.  It draws you in with a seductive pink color and follows with bracingly vibrant, almost spicy, notes.… Read more

($14, Polaner Selections): The Txakoli (“Chok-o-lee”) from Spain are the perfect antidote for summer’s heat and humidity.  With a refreshing and lively fizz, this low (11.5% stated alcohol) wine from Mokoroa is just what you want when the temperature climbs.  The hint of effervescence, initially surprising if one is unfamiliar with these wines, adds an unexpected charm. … Read more

($17, Ole Imports): This Tempranillo-based wine is robust without being heavy because perky acidity keeps it fresh and lively.  Savory notes mingle with the dark fruity flavors.  There’s a food-friendly subtle and attractive bitterness in finish. Fine tannins allow you to enjoy it now with hearty fare. … Read more

($13): The sensory paradox of an impression of sweetness from the nose and the mouth-cleansing acidity is one of the charms of this Rueda.  The floral nature — honeysuckle and other white flowers — makes you think it’s a sweet wine. … Read more

($16, Olé Imports): It may be winter outside, but the essence of summer emerges once you pull the cork — or rather unscrew the top — of this bottle.  Floral, bright and vibrant, it’s a joy to sip and drink.  A slight nuttiness adds complexity without imparting heaviness. … Read more

($15):  The Albariño grape grown in Rias Baixas makes distinctive wine, which has become, justifiably, very hot recently because its edginess makes it a good choice with a wide variety of food.  The 2012 from Martín Códax has a hint of that edginess, but also delivers some subtle tropical flavors that makes it a good introduction for those who are just starting to embrace this grape and wine. … Read more

($21, Classic Wines): Godello, a grape indigenous to Valdeorras, a tiny DO in northwestern Spain, has great potential because it has the capacity to make a wine that combines a creamy richness with bold acidity.  The trick is to balance the two, as O Casal has done with their 2012 Casal Novo. … Read more

($20, Maisons Marques & Domaines): It should come as no surprise that Pazo Barrantes is a reliable label for an Albariño because that estate was founded and is still owned by the Creixell family, which also owns the exalted Rioja estate, Marqués de Murrieta. … Read more

($13, Europvin): Although 95% of Rioja’s production is red, the region makes some attractive whites and rosés.  And this rosé is one of them.  CVNE, one of the region’s top producers, used Tempranillo entirely for this crisp, lively wine.  Bright cherry-like fruit notes are framed by refreshing acidity. … Read more

($15, Jorge Ordonez Selection): This must be one of the most enjoyable $15 wines I’ve tasted recently.  It’s a classical and traditional Rioja with an unbeatable combination of red fruit flavors intertwined with herbal nuances and a little smokiness for good measure. … Read more

($22, The Rare Wine Company): Ricardo Perez and his uncle, Alvaro Palacios, whose last name is synonymous with great Spanish wine, are putting Bierzo and its unique grape, Mencia, on the world’s wine stage.  Located in rural middle of nowhere northwestern Spain, Bierzo never had a reputation for producing fine wine.  … Read more

($40, Rare Wine Company): Alvaro Palacios is one of the stars of Priorat, an area in Catalonia that he helped reinvigorate in the early 1990s.  Don’t be put off that Palacios refers to Les Terrasses his “third wine” behind Finca Dofi ($75) and super prized L’Ermita ($700). … Read more

($9, Bodega Real): This bottling, exclusively from Tempranillo, combines herbal notes, a subtle tarriness with perfectly ripe black fruit, all wrapped in suave tannins. It delivers unexpected complexity at the price. Plus, it finishes firm, not sweet. Those looking for stellar under $10 wine have found it.… Read more

($13, Aveníu Brands): This clean, crisp, citrus tinged wine is an ideal choice to accompany simply prepared fish or shellfish. There’s enough body and minerality so it comes across as bracing and refreshing, not sour or tart. It’s a great bargain.… Read more

($12, Votto Vines):  This snappy wine has more ripeness than Verdejo from Rueda because of the warmer clime in Almansa. But that doesn’t stop it from being energetic and lively. Its freshness persists into the finish and amplifies its verve. It’s perfect with shellfish or simple broiled fish.… Read more

($15): With a slightly softer profile than usual for the category, this wine is a good introduction to Rias Baixis and the Albariño grape. The wine still conveys the bite that makes that grape so appealing, but it’s more like a puppy’s nip.… Read more

($14, Martin Códax USA): With bright dark cherry-like fruitiness and vanilla-spiced oak flavors, this value-packed wine is a more modern interpretation of Rioja. Nicely balanced, vibrant acidity keeps it fresh. It’s a good everyday type of wine.
87 Michael Apstein Jan 1, 2013… Read more

($20, Las Rocas USA):  In addition to added complexity, the old vines (viñas viejas) used for this bottling provide riper grapes that translates into a bigger, more robust wine than their regular bottling (previously reviewed).  Despite an added tarry component and more power, its additional class prevents it from going over the top. … Read more

($14, Las Rocas USA):  The label gives no indication of the blend, but frankly, Las Rocas makes such consistently good value-packed wine, that whatever blend they select is fine with me.  This one is the lightest–but certainly not vapid–of their current trio of releases. … Read more

($15, Moolight Wine Company):  The Valdeorras DO, nestled in the northwest corner of Spain, has yet to gain the widespread recognition it deserves as a prime locale for the Godello grape and the wonderfully piercing wine that is made from it. … Read more

($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. … Read more

($20, Viño Cava):  Méntrida, a small DO in the large Castilla-La Mancha region, is starting to rediscover itself.  Although Garnacha is the most widely planted grape, some producers, such as Bodegas Arrayán, are experimenting with the so-called international varieties.  Bodegas Arrayán, at least, seems to be making it work. … Read more

($11, Para Family Organic Imports):  Although Graciano has the reputation of making a tough and tannic wine, Parra Jimenez has tamed it nicely.  It’s a dense wine with an alluring combination of earth and explosive black fruit.  Both savory and succulent, it would be a good choice for a butterflied leg of lamb on the grill. … Read more

($18, Classical Wines from Spain):  Angel Rodríquez is credited with saving the Verdejo grape from extinction by refusing to replace it in the 1970s with more prolific varieties, such as Viura and Palomino, in his Martínsancho vineyard.  I, like so many others, would like to thank him. … Read more

($10, Vineyard Varieties):  Bodegas Piqueras is the major producer of bottled (as opposed to bulk) wine in Almansa, a less well known DO in Castilla – La Mancha, Spain’s largest wine area.  This wine, made entirely from Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) has appealing meaty or leathery undertones that offset its ripe bright fruitiness. … Read more

($23, Vineyard Varieties):  This high-octane (14.5% stated alcohol) blend of equal parts Garnacha Tintorera (aka Alicante), Monastrell, Tempranillo and Syrah, delivers power–no surprise there–and elegance.  The Syrah adds a ripe pluminess without eviscerating the underlying intrigue and savory notes of the other grapes. … Read more

($11, Parra Family):  Parra Jimenez has tamed Graciano, a tannic and dense grape sometimes used in Rioja, without eviscerating it.  An intriguing mixture of fruit and earth flavors, it still delivers dense explosive black fruit flavors.  But there’s also a savory, almost chewy component. … Read more

($16):  Telmo Rodriguez always thinks outside of the box.  He eschews the conventional Rioja classification of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, which refers to the amount of aging the wine receives before release.  Rather, he prefers to highlight the site, the origin of the grapes, in this case from the village of Lanciega.… Read more

($18):  Valdeorras, the valley of gold, named because the Romans discovered the metal there, is nestled in the northwestern part of Spain.  The Mencia grape, usually associated with Bierzo, the adjacent DO, also does well in the region.  The beauty of wine made from Mencia, like this one, is the earthy, savory (non-fruit) nuances it delivers along with the charming combination of red fruit flavors. … Read more

($225, Moët Hennessey USA):  Wines trying to achieve “greatness” by relying on power alone fail because they lack elegance.  Power will get a wine noticed, but it is not the component that determines the wine’s quality.  Numanthia’s Termanthia, their top of the line wine made from vines that are over 100 years old, succeeds because it delivers great concentration while retaining elegance.… Read more