Gran Sangre de Toro Reserva 2006

In the 1950's this Catalan red, in a blind tasting competition, placed first, ahead of several first growth Burgundies, a triumph which launched Spanish wines on the global stage. The French cried foul, claiming that that year's vintage represented an anomaly, but this bottle confirms the result. It's a lovely blend of black current and blackberry, with some liquorice and soft tannins. At $9.99 it's a genuine bargain.