Spanish Best Buy: 2003 Novellum

In an attempt to escape the blustery cold today, Vino Girl took cover in the first place that was open and (who would have thought?) ended up in a wine store. Le Du's Wines (600 Washington St. between Leroy and Morton) was an instant oasis from the wind and they just happened to be having a tasting of Spanish wines (bonus!). The wines ranged from a simple Ribera Del Duero Joven to a serious Priorat but the one that caught my attention was the 2003 Bodegas Rejadorada Novellum. One hundred percent Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo from the Toro region of Spain), the Novellum is a chocolatey, rich and juicy drinker with good grip. It is ready to drink today but this is one $20 wine that can improve with a few years in the cellar. It has the ripeness that you would expect from the hot 2003 vintage but with enough acidity to keep it firm and structured. Rarely do I walk out with a wine from a retail tasting but this one warmed me up and won me over. Give it a try.