The entry-level 2007 La Tremenda is 100% Monastrell aged for 6 months in seasoned American oak. Dark ruby-colored with an alluring perfume of spice box, underbrush, blueberry, and blackberry, on the palate it displays a friendly personality with succulent fruit and no hard edges. Drink this pleasure-bent effort over the next 4 years. Bodegas Enrique Mendoza was founded in 1989. Importer: Winebow Inc., New York, NY; www.winebow.com

Clean, solid aromas of black cherry and berry are just what you want from Spanish Monastrell, and while this isn’t the most unique or original wine, it sure is tasty, balanced and pleasing. Flavors of lightly baked black fruits are lush, while the finish is medium-long and easygoing. Hard to find anything wrong with this affordable red from Alicante.——M.S.(8/1/2010)—— 88