2001 Spanish Gem: Dominio DeTares Cepas Viejas

It's pretty hard to go wrong with a 2001 wine from Spain. 

I have heard many great things about this vintage, so while perusing a wine list recently, I jumped on this Dominio De Tares Cepas Viejas without knowing anything about it, mainly because it was a 2001 and was less than $50 on the wine list.

Yup, sometimes that is my wine list strategy.  At least it gives me a specific wine to ask the sommelier or server about. If they recommend something else in the same flavor profile, budget or region that's great.  I try to give them something to work from and go from there.

This wine was fantastic.  Black cherry and fruit, subtle hints of smoke with a long finish.  Enough acidity to age very well, but juicy enough to drink and enjoy right away.

It's also a great find for a restaurant wine list, if you spot it.  Currently sells in retail for $22-25 - check it out here.