Don Aurelio Crianza 2004

There’s not much to say here really, this is a good wine from Valdapeñas made from Tempranillo and given a bit of time in wood. It’s correct, it’s savoury and it’s good QPR. Wine from Valdapeñas is often confused for Rioja when served up blind, so that will give you some idea of the style.

A cheery red colour in the glass, with a nose of earthy cherry pie, followed up by some wood and smoke in the background. Pretty much the same in the mouth, but add some blueberry, plum and liquorice. A good little unit, cheap but very enjoyable. 87 Pts.

Source: The Spanish Acquisition Price: $21 Closure: Conventional Cork

Bodegas Felix Solis Vina Albali Tempranillo 2005

Bodegas Felix Solis are apparently the largest producer of quality wine in Spain, they make something like 180 million litres per vintage and have over 70,000 American oak barrels in use.  This wine is the every level joven, or roble as it sees a little time in oak.  However, I think it could have done without the oak.

Deep red in colour with purple towards the rim.  Cherry and wild flowers, with some earth and spice covered with varnishy oak.  Some nice tannins and acid in the mouth, but the oak is too in your face for me.  Flavours of cherry, vanilla and more oak on the palate.  A shame about the oak treatment as the fruit is great and the price is right.  85 Pts.

Source: Toro/Woods wines Price: Around $16 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.vinaalbali.com

Bodegas Felix Solis Vina Albali Gran Reserva 1998

Valdepeñas is a DO that you don't hear a lot about, but there are some classic wines produced at very good prices.  This wine is very Riojan in style, Tempranillo aged in American oak for 24 months.  This has to be one of the best value wines from Spain. 

Plum red in the glass, with classic Rioja characters on the nose, tobacco, spice, undergrowth and dark berry fruit.  It has a mix of ripe fruit that is well supported buy oak and tannin, nicely balanced and nothing is out of place.  Smooth and refined, its perfect for drinking now with a good set chops, or just about good anything from the BBQ. 90 Pts

Source: Toro/Woods wines Price: Around $26 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.vinaalbali.com