There seems to be great value from Spain of late, but this one really pushed my buttons.
Carchelo 2005, Bodegas Agapito Rica, Jumilla, Spain.
Made from Monastrell (Mourvedre) and Syrah grapes, this is a dense, crimson/black coloured wine that expresses a cassis character to the aroma along with red jelly baby lollies and hints of mint. In the palate it is soft, juicy and mouthfilling with pepper and spiced-infused cherry liqueur and chocolate flavours, a lingering cherry and spice finish and plenty of drink me appeal. Tasted blind, I was heading in the direction of McLaren Vale in South Australia, but I was so wrong. Once I knew it was Northern Hemisphere, I had to go for Spain. It is so clean and so new world in style - and absolute fabulous buying at around NZ$12-14 a bottle. It has 14% alcohol by volume and is sealed with a cork and has a trendy, modern label too. I'd happily recommend this wine to everyone.
Sue Courtney