Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell 2005

BN#212297

What a bargain for extremely old vine (45 years) Mourvedre, which the Spaniards often call Monastrell. The last vintage was rated 90 points from Parker and he called it, "A serious effort aged for 12 months in American and French oak. This rich, full-bodied, inky/purple-tinged cuvee exhibits aromas of scorched earth, blueberries, licorice, and pepper, a savory, layered texture, and remarkable opulence for a Mourvedre."

The shallow, chalky soils on a bed of limestone and rock in Jumilla combine with an arid climate to produce very low yielding vines (1.8 ton per acre) and gives this wine incredible complexity. After harvesting, the deep purple grapes are whole-cluster macerated sur lie for 25 days, and then pressed and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.

Serve this deep, savory red wine with braised meat dishes, spicy Mexican fare, Brazilian & Argentine beef dishes, peppery Steaks or strong hard cheeses.