We were in the mood for something different when we purchased the Olaia Dehesa de Rubiales 2004, and different is certainly what we ended up with.  This wine bears very little resemblance to any of the others we’ve reviewed previously.

The Olaia is composed mostly of Prieto Picudo (50%) – a darkly colored, nearly extinct grape that is grown almost exclusively in Spain and seems to be experiencing a recent surge in popularity – 45% Tempranillo, and 5% Merlot.

We found blackberries and vanilla on the nose and palate, along with the luscious scent of plush green forest (as you’d find in, say, North Carolina).  We also picked up lots of hot pepper on the finish, which we really enjoyed.

This well-structured, medium bodied wine might not be one meant for much aging, nor would it be one that we’d call complex.  But it is something that we think is both unusual and pleasing to the senses all at the same time – at $11, it’s a textbook Weekday Wine.

Where to get it: We bought our bottle at Plumpjack Wines in Noe Valley.  They ship.