2 wines - one Spain, one Portugal

[wineguruchgo]

I opened these two tonight and here's my thoughts:

I just bought a 1998 Montecillio Grand Reserva Rioja which will run you around $22.00 per bottle.

It has lush deep, dark berry fruit with very tame tannins. It actually reminds me of a Brunello that would be easily twice the price.

In the store I saw other ones up to $62.00 per bottle. That's a little steep on my budget, so I'm not disappointed. I'm now wondering about the structure of the pricier ones.

I also tried a Casal Garcia Vinho Verde, from Portugal, which was on sale for $6.99. the price was great but the wine seemed overtly acidic to me. Yet, I am very sensitive to acid so I'm a really bad judge. It had nice, green apple fruit and was slightly frizzante which I found pleasant.