2003 Dominio de Eguren "Protocolo" (Tierra de Castilla, Spain)

87. Another character-filled cheap Spanish red (supposedly 100% Tempranillo). Deep saturated ruby color with purple glints. Bright nose of ripe cherries and cherry liqueur, bubble gum, and sweet hickory smoke. Intense, medium-bodied flavors of dry cherry brandy and graphite. Nice, clean, fruity, but somewhat hot finish. A gutsy, fun red at a great price. About $6 at Spec's on Holcombe.