2010 Bodegas Atalaya “Laya” Red Blend

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$10.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Gary’s Notes: Bodegas Atalaya is part of the Gil Family Estates in partnership with Oro Wines Group in Spain, and if that sounds as complicated as European economics, well, it is. Fortunately, this wine is a no-brainer. . .it is a solid wine that you can enjoy any time because it fabulous with food or by itself and it costs less than a six pack of Coronas.

A blend of 70% garnacha (grenache) and 30% monastrell, this wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged for just four months in French oak barrels. That is one clue to its low price, but this wine is a pure extraction 30-year-old vines in a limestone vineyard at 2,600 feet in the province of Albacete in the southwestern corner of the country. It is the antithesis of Lodi and we think you are going to love it.

The winery says Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rated this wine 89 points, but my search could not confirm this. . .so you decide. Besides, wineries always tell the truth, right?

Winery Tasting Notes: “Deep red cherry in color. Elegant, fresh and complex nose that highlights ripe fruit and floral notes. Nice and fresh on the palate, well balanced with sweet but still young tannins, a delicious mouthful sensation that lingers on the very long and smooth finish.”

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