2009 Santo Cristo GARNACHA (Campo de Borja, Spain)

Yet another pure-tasting, deeply-flavored Spanish Grenache at a bargain price.  Sometimes I just crave that straightforward, succulent raspberry extract fruit that these Iberian beauties frequently deliver.  No, they don't have the complexity of Chateauneufs, but they're 1/4 of the price.

Crystalline dark ruby with magenta highlights.  Stunningly vibrant, deep, electric nose of reduced ripe raspberry extract, lemons, and clean, cracked river stones. Full-bodied, intense flavors of black raspberry and black cherry fruit, with a dark, clean minerality in the finish.  Mouthfilling and weighty, but with good acids, this wine is a great choice for weekday casseroles, stews, and braises.  Heck, this would be plenty fun on one of those weekends between paychecks.  Not complex, but it satisfies.  Drink over the next year.  B+.  Imported by Europvin USA, this was $9.99 at Arrowine in Arlington.