Chozas Carrascal, Utiel-Requena / Vinos de Pago (Valencia, Spain) 2016

 Even a linguistic ignoramus like me knows enough Spanish to know that “Ocho” means eight, which raises the question, Which eight?  The answer is, Bobal, Monastrell, Garnacha Tinta, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot.  My next question when tasting this at the (gorgeous) winery was, how much does it cost, and where can I buy it?  My indication of a $38 price here is a world-wide average, as I haven’t yet found this sold at retail in the USA.  Which has me kicking myself for not buying it at the winery, which I didn’t do solely to keep from checking a bag on my return flight.  Stupid!  This is a fabulously tasteful, skillful blend that is really only medium-bodied but very expressive in aroma and flavor, with a mélange of red and black fruit notes, interesting savory undertones, perfectly integrated acidity and wood, super-fine tannin and a wonderfully symmetrical finish.  Generally, new-ish, ultra-fancy wineries tend to make overblown “statement” wines, but this is a terrific exception to the rule.  Some savvy US importer will start bringing this bodega’s wines into the USA before long, and when they do, I’ll be able to stop kicking myself.