WTN: 2003 Bodegas Olivares Jumilla Dulce Monastrell

[David M. Bueker]

2003 Bodegas Olivares Jumilla Dulce Monastrell - Spain, Murcia, Jumilla (11/18/2007)
Deep purple to black color. Intense aromatics of macerated berries, raisins, menthol and black tea leaves with a dash of vanilla. Very sweet and just as intensely flavors with the tea and berry flavors dominating. There's the barest hint of heat on the finish, but it fades quickly leaving smooth berry flavors. This reminds me very much of a Ridge Petite Sirah Essence, which pretty much explains why I like it so much.

Interesting note, thanks. David, its yum time here at Doris Ranch, have pulled out a `01 Castano Dulce Monastrell ( a split) which will go great at Xmas eh. Next time up here, might be in Banff?

I tried several bottles of the 2001 and loved it. Great wine, tremendous finesse, texture and character, at an absurdly low price. So I got half a dozen of the 2003s, but the only one I've had so far (about six months ago) wasn't as pleasurable. I didn't write notes, but remember an excessive note of either tar or camphor (don't remember exactly which) compromising the balance. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that time will resolve that.

[David M. Bueker]

I tried several bottles of the 2001 and loved it. Great wine, tremendous finesse, texture and character, at an absurdly low price. So I got half a dozen of the 2003s, but the only one I've had so far (about six months ago) wasn't as pleasurable. I didn't write notes, but remember an excessive note of either tar or camphor (don't remember exactly which) compromising the balance. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that time will resolve that.

I noted a distinct menthol element in the wine, but it wasn't distracting.