Celler la Bollidora Terra Alta (CLB) 2009 (about $14)

About the Wine:  This is a Spanish red blend of some form.  The back label helpfully informs us that it is "Red Wine" using red lettering to do so, just to eliminate any doubt. 

About THIS Wine:  It is crimson red in the glass with a pink rim.  The nose reveals the wine's high alcohol content but notes of cedar and red fruit still come through.  The palate is very saucy with fairly round tannins and a lot of spice along with red and dark fruit that lingers in a short, plum finish.

Drinking This Wine:  This one could definitely use some food but nothing very heavy.  Honey glazed ham, Italian sausage, or a lighter lasagna would all pair well with this wine.

Overall Impression:  This is not a wine that will impress anyone but it is easy drinking and would go well with a casual meal.  This one is good for the price.

Milcampos Tempranillo NV (about $14)

About the Wine:  It is not generally an encouraging sign when wines are not vintaged.  The changes from year to year are quite noticeable due to weather conditions in which grapes are grown and also due to things like how old the aging barrels are and any number of other variables that affect the process.  However unvintaged wine is not always bad.  Some wine makers prefer to blend a few vintages to get the best qualities of each year in the same way that grape varietals are traditionally blended to get the best of each.

About THIS Wine:  The center is purple and fades to a violet rim.  Jammy red fruit is prominent on the nose with hints of clove.  Thick, syrupy red fruit defines the palate.  On the first sip I got an intense raspberry finish but on subsequent sips the finish was dry.

Drinking This Wine:  It gave me a craving for red beans and rice.

Overall Impression:  I first tasted this wine (though almost certainly a different vintage or combination thereof) when I was new to wine and I very much liked it.  This is a nice entry level wine and as that it is good for the price.  For someone who more of a seasoned drinker it would be a little overpriced.