Anciano Tempranillo Reserva 2003

This Valdepenas red, from the very south of La Mancha, comes wrapped in gold wire. The story goes that an 18th century Spanish grandee was almost killed with poison that had been introduced into a bottle of the local wine. Upon recovering, he ordered that henceforth all products of the region be so wrapped to prevent their adulteration. This particular bottle has been aged in oak for five years, but it needs at least an hour if not more of breathing to release its red berry, vanilla and oak flavors. While pleasant enough, it's not particularly distinguished. $8.99.