2004 Dominio de Tares Baltos ($13.99) I love wines from the mencia grape, grown in northwest Spain’s Bierzo DO. Dominio de Tares is a benchmark producer in the region who makes a range of wines that begins with this Baltos. After a bit of bottle age, this wine has really come into its own. There is a delicious, juicy blueberry fruit character, with a streak of slate minerality and a touch of nutmeg on the finish from six months aging in American oak.

2000 La Rioja Alta Alberdi Rioja Reserva ($18.99) While I am hesitant to claim any wine as a “dead ringer” for a more expensive, highly sought after one, I am tempted to do so in this case. The 2000 Alberdi smells and tastes just like a village Chambolle-Musigny. Bright, high-toned red fruit aromatics lead to a mouth-watering palate of wild strawberries, with nutmeg and allspice nuances that are the hallmark of traditional Spanish Rioja aged in American oak. Any fan of honestly made, fairly priced, staunchly traditional wine should try the 2000 Alberdi. SOLD OUT

Vinedos de Ithaca ‘Odysseus’ Pedro Ximenez 2006 (500ml) ($25.99) This is serious Spanish white wine for the true connoisseur or adventurous imbiber. Unlike Pedro Ximenez from Jerez, this version from Priorat is vinified dry. It is produced from 75 year old vines that yield a rich, viscous, slightly honeyed, yet dry white wine with a distinctive peach pit note. Truly delicious and, in the 500ml bottle, it is perfect for an intimate weeknight meal with someone you love.

—Joe Manekin