I love Spanish wines, and this one is not only a great value, but a good winner. Let's pop the cork and enjoy this rare gem from Yecla that is produced by forward-thinking Bodegas Castaño in a region that was once plagued by phyloxera years ago. Yes, there are only a handful of wineries (eleven, I think) left here following the tiny bug's infestation in the late nineteenth century, and Bodegas Castaño is now seen as the trend setter in Spain's southeastern province of Murcia. Most of the region's vineyards are planted on hills that range 1,300 to 2,600 feet in height and have both red and white plantings, although red is more common. Approximately 85 percent of Yelca's vineyards are planted in Mourvedre (Spanish call it Monastrell), while Garnacha and some Syrah make up most of the rest of the reds. This wine is 100 percent Mourvedre and is a nice deep dark, almost blackish color.
Swirling this wine in the glass reveals nice aromas of sweet and lively dark fruit such as blueberries, raspberries and plum. In the palate there is even more fruit, followed by some chocolate notes and slight pencil shavings. The finish is slightly spicy and sweet. Now to enjoy it with some delicious homemade pulled pork sandwiches and a side of potato salad.Rated: 88 by Josh Raynolds, Nov/Dec 10
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
"Vivid ruby. Spicy redcurrant and cherry aromas are complicated by notes of dried flowers and licorice. Firm and precise in the mouth, offering lively red berry flavors and a hint of bitter cherry pit. Gains sweetness with air and finishes with very good clarity and spicy persistence. These vines are reportedly planted at almost 800 meters altitude. This is a ridiculous value."
Rated 88 - Robert M. Parker
The Wine Advocate, 4/10
"Bodegas Castano's 2009 Monastrell was aged for 6 months in neutral French oak. Produced entirely from estate fruit and now bottled in screw-cap for the USA market, it is a dark ruby-colored wine with a fragrant nose of underbrush, blueberry, and plum. Super-juicy on the palate and densely packed, this is a pleasure-bent effort for drinking over the next 2-3 years."
"Bodegas Castano's 2009 Monastrell was aged for 6 months in neutral French oak. Produced entirely from estate fruit and now bottled in screw-cap for the USA market, it is a dark ruby-colored wine with a fragrant nose of underbrush, blueberry, and plum. Super-juicy on the palate and densely packed, this is a pleasure-bent effort for drinking over the next 2-3 years."
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