Bodegas Castano Solanera 2005- 91 points for $6.99

90 point wines for under $20 are rare.  91 points for $6.99 falls into the unheard of category.  In the latest issue of Wine Spectator, the cheapest price for a 91 point Spanish wine, in any region, was $40.  Drop down to 90 points and a $17 wine exists (2.5x this wine).  Making this wine an even better value, is that it’s a 2005, at a time when Spain is releasing many reds from the 2009 vintage.

Imported by the master of Spanish and French wines, Eric Solomon, this blend is mature, smooth and delicious.  Complex cherry and coffee scents on the nose lead into a velvety mouthfeel with ripe, but refined flavors.  Interestingly, this wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, winemaking techniques usually reserved for the high-end wines that don’t need any enhancements after barrel aging and before bottling.  The tiny, undetectable pieces of skin left in the wine contribute to the complex tannin structure and likely to the slight bricking (browning) color on the rim of the glass of this medium to full bodied wine.

This wine is from the Yecla region of Spain, an area with only 11 bodegas or vineyards.  There are some one square mile parcels in Napa that have more wineries than that!  It’s so exciting for me to explore the lesser known wine regions of  Europe where values like this can be had.  With 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tintorera, this is a textbook Spanish blend.  If you are a fan of Spanish wines, this is daily drinking magic for a next-to-nothing price.  The 2005 vintage won’t be around for much longer so enjoy it while you can!

Update from day 2: This wine is even better after having been open for 24 hours.  The nose opens up and it gains depth.  Well done!

Buy Here: Bodegas Castano Solanera 2005 $6.99

Wine Advocate 91 points

“No Tasting Notes Given”

International Wine Cellar 90 points

“65% monastrell, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 15% tintorera) Saturated purple. Smoky raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a sexy mocha quality adding complexity. Fleshy, round dark fruit liqueur flavors caress rather than pummel the palate. Gentle tannins arrive late to add structure but this is all about silky, juicy fruit.”