Casa Castillo Monastrell

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 it over the next four years.

Inky purple. Deep, smoky cassis and blueberry aromas, with complicating notes of tobacco and musky herbs. Powerful dark berry flavors are youthfully chewy and tannic, with bright acidity adding snap. Finishes with strong grip and very good persistence. For this price, this is serious stuff.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that my face is hanging up an awful lot in this aisle — that’s because I’m a HUGE fan of Spanish Monastrell. Elsewhere referred to as Mourvèdre or Mataro, Monastrell often gets lost in blends with Syrah and Grenache in other parts of the world. But in Jumilla, this bold, velvety red takes center stage. Boasting a beautiful purple-red hue and a delicious bouquet of plum, blackberry and chocolate, the Casa Castillo is rich and full-bodied, with a silky mouthfeel and an incredibly smooth finish.