Composed of 47% Monastrell, 26% Tempranillo, 11% Syrah, 6% Garnacha, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, all aged six months in a combination of French and American oak, it displays a deep plum/ruby color as well as a sweet nose of black cherries, black currants, dusty, loamy soil, pepper, roasted herbs and meats. This corpulent, fruit-forward, fleshy, round, silky offering is an inexpensive Spanish fruit bomb. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. There are 6,000 cases of this wine, which comes from Almeria in Eastern Andalucia, a mountainous region that most Americans will know as the place where many of Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti westerns were filmed. The high-altitude vineyards have produced a remarkable value-priced red wine that consumers will love. Importer:Eric Solomon, European Cellars Charlotte, NC; Tel. (704) 358-1565; Fax (704) 358-1797

Bodegas Alto Almanzora’s 2009 Este is a blend of 50% Monastrell with the balance Tempranillo, Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot aged for 6 months in American oak. Mineral, black fruit, espresso, and brier notes inform the nose of this spicy, savory, nicely proportioned effort. It is a very good value for drinking over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; Tel. (704) 358-1565

The 2008 Este is composed of 50% Monastrell, 25% Tempranillo, with the balance Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot aged for 6 months in French and American oak. Purple-colored, it reveals a lightly roasted bouquet of black cherry and blueberry, underbrush, spice box, and violets. Supple, sweetly-fruited, and forward, this tasty, friendly effort has no hard edges. Drink it over the next 3 years. Bodegas Alto Almanzora is located in eastern Andalucia at 600-900 meters of altitude on slate and limestone soils. Winemaking is overseen by Rafael Palacios. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections; Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565