2002 Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas Yecla

[hotwine]

Popped this tonight to serve with BBQ'd brisket, baby russets and carrots in butter and maple syrup. An interesting blend of 65% Monastrell and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in oak for 10 months. Very dark ruby in the glass, nose of black pepper and red currants; more red currants on the palate with a faint coarseness that fades quickly, leaving a nice finish of chewy red fruit. I could put this stuff in a blender with protein powder and make a fine breakfast smoothie. Alcohol is 14%, but it doesn't seem hot at all; price was in the $8-$10 range at Costco.