Monasterio 2004 £5.69
Monasterio is a red you know you can rely on ... mouthfillingly rich and mellow, crafted by one of Spain's winemaking masters - and amazing value given its quality credentials. Winemaker Fernando Ballesteros combines two great Rioja grapes (full, juicy Garnacha and smooth Tempranillo) from gnarled and ancient hillside vines to produce a tiny parcel each year. We first discovered its silky magic ten years ago - as top critic Robert Parker says Fernando's reds represent ''remarkable value ... must be tasted to be believed''. Deep purple with warm blackcurrant and plum aromas and rich flavours of cherry, bramble and dark chocolate. Smooth enough to enjoy on its own and superb with roast meats.