A real winner is the 5,000-case cuvee of 2011 Tempranillo, which is 100% Tempranillo. Coming from the winery’s vineyards planted in clay soils at an elevation of 1500 feet, this is another totally naked, virginal wine from Bodegas Nekeas that sees no oak whatsoever, as it is fermented and aged in stainless steel. Pure strawberry and black cherry notes with hints of licorice and tobacco leaf jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged, medium-bodied wine. Essentially a Tempranillo fruit bomb, it is pure, delicious and an incredible value! Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Bodegas Nekeas is located in the town of Anorbe, north of Navarra in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Owned by eight separate families, it is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to value wines that Jorge Ordonez discovered at the beginning of his career. I was a huge fan of these wines when I was covering Spain, and I remain so after tasting through them for this review of the Jorge Ordonez portfolio. Importer: Value Wines from Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA, tel. (781) 461-5767; Fax (781) 461-2570; www.jorgeordonez.com

Lightly tangy, this modest red offers hints of plum, wild strawberry, spice and smoke. Drink now. 5,000 cases made.??–AN??Region: Spain / Navarra Select to Add