Laya Almansa Red Blend

Tasted 2x over the past 8 days, once @ a shop's tasting, the other from our own bottle, that one getting progressively better over 3 days (Private Preserve only applied after Day 1)! I QUITE agree with others here that there's a decided "bite"/"strength" [in a negative sense]/astringency when first opened, though even that begins mitigating with air in the glass. However, once THAT is overcome this becomes [IMHO] a **steal** @ $6.95, which my score takes into account.

Coffee, smoke, meaty aromas. The finish is a bit rough.

D.O.P. Almansa 2014 (not Old Vines). Has a bit of a bite right out of the bottle. I guess that's acidity? (I'm new to wine). This is my first Spanish wine, and it drinks well. I pick up some cocoa, tobacco, and some fruitiness. The acidic bite is lessened after breathing for about 5 minutes, and I enjoyed it much more then. After 15 minutes or so, flavor developed to have a more earthy taste. Overall, really interesting in terms of flavor development.

I'm a huge fan of Gil Family Estate wines and this wine did not disappoint. It's a blend of two of my favorite grapes Garnacha and Monastrell - 70/30% respectively. Great cherry fruit, smooth and well bodied. But the best part of all...It's only $10! Starts off a bit strong, so be sure to decant.

Effervescent and tasty.

Meaty and smoky. Tobacco. Heavy aromas. Some heat.

Just not a fan.

Surprisingly great wine for $10

Nice

Intenso, goloso,largo en boca, me gusta.😉