2005 Bodegas Monastrell Tinto Murcia Yecla Spain.
http://www.bodegascastano.com/ 100% Monastrell. $5.49 at Wine Library, Springfield, NJ. Imported by Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco. Deep red color, deep hue, very good aroma of berries and cherries, very good tastes of cherries, spice and earthen notes, medium mouth feel, good tannins, somewhat out of balance with the acidity, medium long finish with good fruit, spice and earth notes. 3*.
It's been several years since I've considered Parker's scores or notes, but I read a shelf talker indicating this was a Parker 90 rated by Jay Miller. My first Jay Miller note -- not counting the NYC legend Jay Miller, of course -- and the other Jay Miller was right on the money with review. And, it is a great QPR. Good enough that I'm considering it as my summer wine -- six weeks drinking only one wine. It may be a little simple, but that "Yecla" is almost irresistible.
Regards, Bob
Notes: 90 Points - Jay Miller - The Wine Advocate. "The 2005 Monastrell is an insane value produced from three vineyard sites ranging in age from 40-60 years. Opaque purple-colored, it gives up fragrant aromas of blue fruits, plums, and prunes. Ripe, layered, and full-flavored, this hedonistic effort can be enjoyed now but will surely evolve for 2-3 years. Match it with beef and lamb."
Mourvedre - A native of Spain (where it is known as Monsatrell) this grape is the second leading red grape variety after Grenache in Spain. It is also popular in southern France and growing in California. This grape grows well in warmer regions, and is often high in alcohol and tannins making it a good blending grape.
Polaner: Bodegas Castaño has quickly become the quality leader in the newly rediscovered apellation of Yecla. Yecla is located in the south-eastern side of Spain, next to Jumilla and Allicante. Like it's neighbors, the warm climate of Yecla is perfect for the growing of the Monastrell grape (Mourvèdre). Fortunately, much of the appellation was spared the wrath of Philloxera, and extremely old, ungrafted vines of Monastrell remain offering amazing potential for quality, while still at amazingly affordable prices.
It has not been an easy task for the Castaños. In the 19th century, nearly everyone in Yecla was making wine, but today, just three bodegas survive (one of them is the town co-op). The fourth and fifth generations of the family are now mapping out the future with Ramón Castaño at the helm, placing the utmost emphasis on producing quality wine.
The family's holdings now cover 350 hectares (770 acres) in Yecla, spread out over three sub-zones of the appellation (Las Gruesas, Espinal and Pozuelo). The average elevation of the vineyards is between 300 and 700 meters. Their soils are composed of varying amounts of limestone and clay, so the grapes naturally retain their acidity as they mature.The diversity of climate and soils allows for varying styles of Monastrell that form the basis for the different cuvees produced at the estate.