La Uve Toro 2006

Price: $12.99 @ Blanchard's (W. Roxbury, MA)
Recommended by: wine tasting
Comments: At a wine tasting event that included many good wines, this inexpensive Spanish red stood out as a super value. It has bold flavors of bright red berries as well as blueberries (particularly in the finish). The wine consists of a "tempranillo clone" called "Tinta de Toro," and it would be a good wine at nearly twice the price. The smooth, long finish on this happy wine guarantees that we'll be getting another bottle soon! Viva la Espana!
Rating: 7.5/10

Cortijo III Tempranillo 2005

Price: $5.98 @ Gary's Liquors (W. Roxbury)
Recommended by: enjoyed at a friend's party
Comments: We first tasted this wine at our neighbors' New Year's party. I thought maybe we had just had so much alcohol that everything was good. But, upon the second tasting, this wine is good, especially for the low price. It's nothing to rave about, but it's a great everyday Spanish wine (100% Tempranillo). The flavor is a straightforward cherry and raspberry, with a short but smooth, dry finish.
Rating: 6.25/10