2 | Wine | Tempranillo, $10 to $20

"Aromas of toasty oak, graphite, balsamic, incense, and black fruits are followed by a dense, powerful Tempranillo from the great 2009 vintage. Rich, savory, and pleasure bent, it is a great value."

"It reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of creme de cassis intermixed with hints of wood smoke and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, juicy, succulent and sensual, it should drink nicely for 3-4 years." -Robert Parker

"Intense deep red with purple tones. A pronounced fruit character, revealing blackberry hints and a silky palate. An ideal wine to enjoy with a barbeque."

"An excellent bargain, this 100% Tempranillo (80-100-year old vines) was aged completely in stainless steel. Patrick Mata told me that the village from which it emerges has only 95 residents, all of whom are grape farmers! This may be the “bargain of the year” in my tastings. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of black cherry jam, licorice, blackberries and subtle hints of earth, pepper and meat. Drink this medium to full-bodied, rich, layered red over the next 2-3 years." -Robert Parker

"Aromas of cedar, tobacco, spice box, and blackberry inform the nose of a round, savory, ripe, well-balanced offering that is likely to evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2017."

"The 2011 G Dehesa Gago eschews oak – the wine is just put in the tank and then racked. It has a straightforward bouquet of blueberry, red cherries and a touch of balsamic that is well-defined and “pert.” The palate is quite succulent and primal on the entry with lush blueberry and cassis notes. It offers a pleasing, grainy texture with that balsamic note returning on the finish."

"Rich and muscular, with exotic roasted spice and blueberry notes followed by racy graphite and espresso. The ripe finish of chocolate and spice is well proportioned."

"Glass-staining ruby. Assertive aromas of red berries, rose and spicecake, with a hint of smoke. Silky and sweet, with fresh raspberry and floral flavors and tangy back-end lift. In an elegant, precise style, with very good finishing clarity and length. This is drinking very well right now."

"The 2010 Volver (100% Tempranillo) is a single vineyard, outstanding effort that was aged in French oak for 14 months prior to being bottled unfiltered. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by copious aromas of black currants, black cherries, pepper, underbrush and licorice. This well-made, medium to full-bodied effort should drink well for 4-5 years."