5 | Wine | Mourvedre, Spain

"The opaque purple-colored 2010 Tarima Hill exhibits notes of chocolate fudge, pen ink, graphite, blueberries and blackberries. This full-bodied, 100% Monastrell should drink well for a decade or more. These amazing efforts taste more like they should cost $30 to $50 as opposed to the mid-teens." -Robert Parker

"Dark ruby. Lively redcurrant and cherry on the nose, complicated by spice and floral elements. Juicy, vibrant cherry and floral pastille flavors show very good depth, with juicy acidity adding clarity and lift. Aeration brings up deeper blackberry and anise notes that carry through a spicy persistent finish. This has to be one of the best red wine values out there."

"Another stunning value from Yecla, the 2011 Vinos Sin Ley Monastrell (100% Mourvedre from organic vineyards) possesses a dense purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, and chalky, earthy soil, and a heady, rich, full-bodied finish. It combines elegance with richness despite the fact that this area is known more for the rusticity of its wines than their finesse." -Robert Parker

"Bright purple. Intense aromas of black and blue fruits, with a spicy overtone. Powerful, sharply delineated boysenberry and cherry flavors show very good intensity and gain sweetness with air. Closes with zesty cut, lingering spiciness and a hint of dusty tannins."

"This supple red delivers black cherry, smoke, mineral and licorice flavors that build on the palate through the smoky, meaty finish. The tannins are light but firm in this fresh, lively wine."

"The 2011 Barahonda Sin-Madera (100% Monastrell aged in stainless steel) offers abundant blueberry, black raspberry and cherry fruit notes intermixed with hints of crushed rocks, tobacco leaf, pepper and meat. This intense, medium to full-bodied, amazing wine is bursting with fruit. It, too, should drink well for 2-3 years, perhaps longer given Monastrell’s oxidative, resistant personality."

"Bright purple. Straightforward black and blue fruit aromas and flavors show good energy. Fleshy and smooth in texture, with good finishing punch and a touch of bitter chocolate. This one has no shortage of fruit."

"Dark ruby. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of raspberry, cherry, star anise and candied rose, with a touch of orange zest. Smells like a ripe pinot noir. Fleshy and seamless, offering sappy red fruit flavors and a bitter note of rhubarb. Subtle vanilla and licorice notes linger on the smooth, gently tannic finish. Lots of wine for the money."