Wine of the Week: 2007 Bodegas Luzon Luzon, Jumilla, Spain

By now, the 2007 Bodegas Luzon is well-known in the wine world for being a wine of exceptional value, and for good reason. Favorably reviewed by all the big names, this $9 red blend from Spain is a fantastic deal. In the words of Wine Enthusiast, it "Overdelivers by a lot!".

The Luzon is an inky ruby- and violet-hued Monastrell-Syrah blend from the Jumilla DO in the Mediterranean Coast region of Spain. It is surprisingly complex on both the nose and the palate, delivering both fruit and "non-fruit" aromas and flavors. I found the initial scent to be dominated by purple stone fruit, such as dark cherries and plums, but also followed by leather and mineral/earth notes.

A solidly medium-bodied wine with a smooth, velvety mouthful, the Luzon is well-balanced. Flavors are fruity, spicy, and savory. Black cherry dominated the fruit portion for me, but a smoky, even "gamey" flavor was also prominent. Herbal notes have also been associated with this wine. Though I didn't pick those up during my first tasting, I'd like to open another bottle and try. At $9 each, it would be well within the budget to repeat this wine!