2015 Ego Bodegas Goru 18M Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon
Spain
Retail: $19.99
VIP: $14.99
Monastrell is a wine grape indigenous to the western Mediterranean region that is a staple of the wines of southern Spain and France. This variety has small, thick-skinned berries that make wines with intense color and high tannin levels. In France, it is known as Mourvedre and is nicknamed the etrangle-chien or ‘the dog strangler’, for its mouth-drying aesthetics. Monastrell’s signature markers include meaty, herby aromas and the aforementioned strong tannic structure. A great candidate for your cellar, this grape is known to age gracefully over 5-15 years to pacify its tannins and allow the more subtle elegance to shine through.
Jumilla is located in southeastern Spain within the region of Castille- La Mancha. It lies on a plateau surrounded by mountains. The elevation ranges between 400 & 800 meters. The weather here is hot in the summer and frigid in the winter. Monastrell enjoys the hot, dry climate of this region and makes up 85% of the plantings of this DOP. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea helps temper some of the temperature swings and also is responsible for the high sand content in the soil that helps the Monastrell thrive in this land.
Big, bold and beautiful would be an alliterative way to describe this Monastrell heavy blend. Using Monastrell vines over 50 years old, the wine is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes 20% of the cuvée. The wine is allowed to rest in new oak barrels for 18 months. This wine over delivers, especially for $15. It is unapologetically bold and full of flavor, hints of cinnamon and vanilla give it that comforting character that lures you back sip after sip. A perfect accompaniment with any cut of beef, rich stews and mature cheeses like Manchego.
91 Points Wine Spectator
“Cocoa, espresso and licorice flavors frame a core of currant, blood orange and menthol details in this rich red. Muscular tannins and citrusy acidity support the thick texture. Bold and heady, in the modern style. Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2020 through 2030.
It’s fun to say, fun to sip, and fun to share!
Jill