I’ve done a couple of blind tastings this year with monastrell and blends of monatrell with things like cabernet, merlot, tempranillo, syrah, even some viura. But I come to the same conclusion each and every time:  I’m a much bigger fan of these straight Monastrell wines than the blended wines. I think that says more about me than the wines tho…

This is straight monastrell from older vines (whatever that means) that has a swim in new french and american oak for 6 months. The 6 months in oak thing actually works here.  I find that more often than not, such a short time in new oak makes a very oaky beast.

Nuts, figs, flint and sage are the main impressions from the nose. A bit of vanilla and smoke after a while in the glass. Warm and inviting, and a bit flabby around the middle. Its easy to drink but there is just enough structure to keep my interest. A big lick of fig and minerals on the palate, some Black Forest cake and a little funky animal. Convincing. 89 Pts.

Source: Broadway Liquor Distributors Price: $24 Closure: Conventional Cork