Style Light red Old World Country Spain Price $12
Vintage tasted 2006 Grapes Tempranillo
Website www.bodegaslan.com

Overview Last edition’s Wine Trialswinner put in another stellar performance this year, with earthy and fruity notes that combine to create what one blind taster could only call “a very special wine.” It’s this sort of bottle—unique, rich, expressive, and extremely affordable—that has us head over heels for Rioja, the kind old uncle of wine regions. Here’s to hoping the folks at Lan keep up the good work.

Nose Our blind tasters smelled sour cherries, herbs, undergrowth, mulch, mushrooms—above all, they agreed that it smelled expensive.

Mouth It’s herbal and rustic, with enough tannins to help it pair well with food. But there’s also juicy red fruit; this wine just has it all.