Viña Jaraba, Vino de Pago D.O.P. (La Mancha, Spain) 2022 Cosecha ($13, Grapes of Spain / Aurelio Cabestrero)

I grant that according 90 points to an entry-level wine costing just $13 may seem like a stretch, but this wine certainly merits accolades on that level due to its aromatic and flavor complexity, its textural balance (just enough grip for the table, but a delight to sip as well), and its symmetrical finish, with all sensory signals tailing off evenly and with impressive persistence. The fact is that this outperforms almost every wine sold for under $18 in the USA, and is vastly more detailed and interesting than the market-leading Pinots, Malbecs, and Cabernet Sauvignons priced near $18. The blend is 80% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot—and it is extremely successful. It shows both red and black fruit tones as well as subtle savory accents that provide far more detail than almost any wine I’ve tasted in its price category. For the sake of context regarding that last point, my review tasting, competition judging, and consulting work has already led me to encounters with more than 3,000 wines priced at or below $18 to this point in 2025.
90 Michael Franz