1996 Bodegas Ismael Arroyo Valsotillo, $21

  And now for something completely different... the 1996 Valsotillo is made from 100% Tinta del Pais, a not-so-popular grape here in the US. When made well, these wines are somewhere between a good Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 1996 Bodegas Ismael Arroyo Valsotillo spent 14 months in barrel and was bottled with no fining and only lightly filtered. Very dark purple/black in color, the wine offers a cacophony of beautiful dark berry scents with hints of minerals, smoke and anise. The wine is full-bodied and very fruit-forward. Very limited production (only 250 cases) makes this wine difficult to find, but those who seek it out will be rewarded with one of the best Spanish wines available.