Wine and people have many of the same attributes, especially when you refer to them as old friends, which many do.

They can tick you off, cause you immense pain and drive you to drink … on the other hand they can be full of life, give you never ending happiness and surprise you unexpectedly.

Just when I was getting ready to write off Spain as a has-been conformist region I was bowled over by a few at a recent tasting, this renewed my faith in the country’s wines (until the next time that is) – fickleness is another trait we share.

Barahonda 2011 Barrica Monastrell / Syrah ($17.95)

Two unlikely partners here, think Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy circa 1982, create a wonderful blueberry, blackberry combination that allows cherry fruit (call it Judge Reinhold) to play along with a dash of cinnamon.  Well-balanced.

Bodegas San Prudencio 2009 Depadre ($22.95)

There is so much going on here it might blow your buds clean off your tongue.  Starts with plum, blackberry and cassis then adds sandalwood, cedar and spice … the list grows from there.

Castano Solanera 2012 Vinas Viejas ($17.00)

Another of those unlikely paired buddy comedies this time Bullock and McCarthy-style because this one’s fun.  Mourvedre (70%) mixes it up with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache bringing The Heat of power with pleasure: plum and cocoa play top fiddle here.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.