Undeveloped but shows tons of personality already. Pine trees, something salty, and a fair bit of reduction on the nose. Structured, extracted, linear palate, quite polished and elegant - a nod towards Bordeaux. Powerful but not forced, the texture is smooth, tannins are marked, but perfectly ripe. Oak is virtually unnoticeable and there is freshness to it's fruit aromas. This is a noble, aristocratic wine, built for the long haul.

Read more: https://screwcapped.com/high-end-mourvedre-tempier-cabassaou-2016-bandol/

For me the most interesting part is style. What I tasted from the producer from vintages like 2013 showed that heavy handed, New World like approach quite typical to many Spanish wine regions – lots of sweetness, ripeness and new oak. This Monastrell on the other hand (and other wines from this house, started from the vintage 2017) seems like changed direction completely. It’s restrained, dialed down; wood is gone, too. This aims at purity.

Unusually lively and fresh for a Monastrell. Savoury and restrained, as it would have been fermented with native yeast and aged in concrete. A lot more vinuous and likable than their wines from the previous era, but on the other hand it lost a lot of complexity – a humble El Molar 2013 was richer than this. Dates, leather, salted caramel – real Mourvedre character. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity, tannins are softer then usual. Quite balanced and easy to drink. Don’t expect a powerhouse.

Read more: https://screwcapped.com/the-monastrell-that-received-99-points-casa-castillo-pie-franco-2017-jumilla/