Spanish Rhone/Bandol "Ranger" Recommendations Please

I'm looking to Spain for killer Rhone style wines - Grenache blends, GSMs etc or also a Syrah - because of the prices. But I'd like old world style and from what I've read there is quite a lot of new world style in Spain (if that's not true, please advise). Give me forward acidity and tannins balanced just right with enough fruit and add in some finesse and interesting aromas and powerful flavours and lets stay away from fruit bombs and really soft wines. I'd be interested in the QPR $15 price range, and then the $25-$30 range. Also interested in Bandol style Monstrell Spanish wines, if such a thing exists. Or even just good Monstrell, old world style.

A local wine merchant whom I trust has recommended the following to me. The thing is I've read some TNs and discussions on the 'net on some of these wines and while they are fairly positive, there is some indication of things I don't like in wines. But for the price (Cdn), there isn't a real down side to trying these.

Spain - Yecla - Barahonda Monstrell 2005 - $18.99
Spain - Valencia - Rafael Cambra Dos 2004 - $34.99
Spain - Jumilla - Altos De La Hoya 2005 - $18.99
Spain - Jumilla - Juan Gil Gos 2005 - $15.99
Spain - Alicante - Laderas De El Seque - $16.99

And I did have a taste of a fabulous Spanish GSM - Grattalops, Partida Bellvisos 2004, Priorat - at this store on Saturday. It was quite a wine. Rich fruits, but very good structure and a real powerhouse of a wine. I could drink this wine often, but unfortunately it is $130.

Anyway, I'm a Rhone wine lover, and a recent Bandol convert, looking to see what Spain has to offer in the types of wines I'm partial to from France.

Bryan

Four of those wines are here at Doris Ranch!!! Great selection there, keep for a while, I`d say. I am never in a rush to drink anything I buy these days (reds that is).
Yeap, we have to really look out for this new world stuff, LOL.

I posted on this Barahonda last month....>WTN: `05 Monastrell Barahonda, Yecla Spain.

Well-established winery but with just an average reputation. Synthetic cork, 14.5% alc, opened for an hour but not decanted. Hopefully the $15 price tag will work for us!

The color is a medium ruby-red with a thin strawberry rim. On the nose, I found blueberry, earth and licorice. Lacked the meatyness of mourvedre and have to admit I did not find the aromas all that appealing. It sure tasted better with some sweetness, soft tannins and hints of chocolate. Plum, lots of black pepper and good finish. Fair structure here and terrific with the soup as well as perogies with a roasted pepper coulis. Spicy food will work best with this wine which might need a year or so to show it`s true stuff.

Four of those wines are here at Doris Ranch!!! Great selection there, keep for a while, I`d say. I am never in a rush to drink anything I buy these days (reds that is).
Yeap, we have to really look out for this new world stuff, LOL.

I take it you live on a ranch then, or maybe an acerage outside of Edmonton, Bob. Or perhaps you have a nice sense of humour and live on Jasper Ave in a condo even. Anyway, I see no reason to wait to drink these wines. Well, I'd be OK with drinking some now and saving some too, just to compromise with you.

Thanks for the tasting note. Sounds like a pretty reasonable wine for the money. I noticed you said there's no meat on the nose. But it had structure on the palate. I have to ask, did the tannins have some grip to them? And the acid some bite to it? Enough that you might not find this wine all that appealing without food?

Also, don't forget to reply to my post in the Bandol thread about Edmonton restaurants.

Thanks,
Bryan

Spain - Jumilla - Juan Gil Gos 2005 - $15.99

This is a more modern style wine. It is big. If you like that style it is a good QPR and I usually keep some on hand.