WINE

Monastrell Tinto, Casa Castillo

Wow! It can be a tough ask finding complexity and typicity at this price level in Spain, but this is a great example – what good Jumilla is all about. The clay vineyards that occupy the valley are entirely devoted to Monastrell trained in the traditional ‘vase’ shape. Stainless steel fermentation, then a period in oak. Lovely mixture of wild bramble fruit, spicebox aromas and gentle tannins. A real must-have red. ‘Ruby-red. Expressive, spicy aromas of black raspberry, gingerbread, dark chocolate and dried flowers. Supple red and dark berry flavors are firmed by dusty tannins and enlivened by zesty minerality. Very fresh wine, with no loose ends or rough edges and very good finishing sweetness. This was raised in three-year-old barrels, 80% French and 20% American. A remarkable value.’ 90 points - Stephen Tanzer`s International Wine Cellar ‘The 2007 Monastrell is even better than the 2006 which received 88 points in Issue 175. The wine is estate grown and bottled from old vines and low yields. It was aged for six months in seasoned French and American oak barrels. Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits a nose of spice box, black cherry, and blueberry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied wine with layered fruit, savory flavors, enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years, and a pure close. Drink 2008-2012’ 90pts – The Wine Advocate #178