Wine of the Week: 2004 Alejandro Fernandez ‘Dehesa La Granja’

2004 Alejandro Fernandez ‘Dehesa La Granja’

Yet another stunning, value-priced wine from Alejandro Fernandez and his Grupo Pesquera, the 2004 Dehesa La Granja is 100% Tempranillo from 13-year-old vines. That’s young by Spanish standards, yet this unfiltered medium-bodied red is lush and complex, with deep flavors of blackberries and plums, herbs and a touch of smoke. Tannins are mellow, and the finish lingers. Drink it now or wait awhile. But somehow I don’t think this bottle is going to be hanging around in anybody’s cellar for long.

Have it with burgers, pizza and flatbreads, grilled meats and also braised lamb shank with beans and rustic bean soups. A beautifully balanced food-friendly wine.

Quick swirl

Region: Castilla y León, Spain

Price: About $19 to $23

Style: Rich and complex

What it goes with: Burgers, pizza, braised meats, bean soups

Where to find it: Amazing Grapes Wine Store in Rancho Santa Margarita (949) 888-9007; https://www.amazinggrapeswinestore.com; Mission Wines in South Pasadena (626) 403-9463, https://www.missionwines.com; Wine Country in Signal Hills (800) 505-5564, https://www.thewinecountry.com; Almor Wine and Spirits in Hollywood (323) 874-0410; https://www.almorwines.com