I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love grenache! And in this spanish style it gets its full expression as garnacha. This is probably my favorite under $10 bottle. This is my first time trying the '09 but I don't remember it being as high in alcohol content as in years past. It was still structured well enough with firm tannins so it didn't get carried away or tast like a spirirt at all, but still, 14.5%?! look out for garnacha and don't get burned by the fuego. ;)

On the nose, this wine shows ripe black fruits: black raspberry and prune, with a touch of eucalyptus, pepper, and a smidgeon of earth. The palate offers a silky smooth texture, warm black raspberry, black cherry, and plum, with a touch of spice – maybe vanilla? Acidity and tannins are medium,