December 28, 2023 - I have always sung the praises of this tremendous Monastrell and this vintage is a very fine example. Plucked out the last 2005 from the cellar on a whim, and at 18 years it's positively dancing with joy. It's at the apex of its journey, with a few years left in decline but no doubt still charming. Treacle, fudge, figs, prunes, saddle leather, dark jammy fruit. Richly textured, dense - almost oily - and heady. It swirls around the glass like a whirling dervish, dancing seductively. No tannic aggression at all - they've softened but the wine isn't soupy. It's retained its excellent structure and tension. A little more nerve would help, but the lack of it is more than compensated by the superbly fragrant nose, which just gives and gives. Wonderful. Almost as good as Las Gravas, and for sure one of the most exciting and rewarding Monastrell/Mourvèdre wines on planet Earth - and I'm including Bandol in that.
September 14, 2022 - Such a pleasure to have this old friend again. It was a spontaneous opening - I had no plans to have this until I looked at it, and seconds later I had opened it. It's one of the last of the '05s in my cellar. It has barely changed since the last time I had one, which I believe was 2013. So its longevity is quite remarkable. It's nowhere near peaking, and in fact, barely evolving! Not sure if that is a good thing... You've got the thickness, the density, the power, the fruit, the intensity. But it's not just a New World-style monolithic fruit bomb. There's an earthiness and a delicacy of fragrance that embraces herbs such as oregano and rosemary, and a spicy pepperiness that counteracts the fruit and sweetness very nicely. Also a distinctive chocolatey/cocoa note. A very good wine, and great value.
June 9, 2017 - Even with 12 yrs of age on it, this wine is holding up well with flavorful deep berry fruits with just the right amount of earthy tones. Well balanced and shows how good even the inexpensive Spanish wines can be.
October 31, 2014 - $12 purchase 7 years ago. Holding up fine. Smooth with deep berry flavors, Short finish. Hard to complain at this price point. Drained the bottle with friends while waiting for the kids to finish Trick or Treating
March 7, 2014 - Agree almost exactly with the previous note from 2014.
February 8, 2014 - It's hard to fine a better $11 bottle. Fruity, lots of dark plumb and jam. A hint of earth and spice. Leather on the nose.
December 26, 2013 - Here I am again tasting one of my favourite wines, and the vintage continues mightily to impress. Altos is a perennial favourite for me, especially the magical 2005, which just keeps on getting better. Still very dark, almost blue. Big nose of roasted coffee beans, cocoa and prunes. Voluptuous, big, bold and expressive. This is assertive but not excessive, expansive but not explosive, firm but balanced. Lovely finish of cream and oven-fresh buns, with a slightly earthy, rustic sensation overall. Just great. I'm now extending the drinking window to 15 years rather than the original ten.
March 27, 2013 - Very nice wine after a 45 minute decant. Refined tannins and good balance. Finishes well.
March 11, 2013 - Weekly tasting group #065; Spain (@ BS): Inviting bouquet with ripe dark as well as red fruits and sweet spices e.g. vanilla. On the palate the same, some chocolate, cinnamon, soft tannin and a little pleasant bitterness in the finish. Ready now.
February 28, 2013 - The wine was a beautiful color with a pleasant and inviting nose out of the bottle. Nice blackberries and currant on the palate. Smooth as silk after twenty minutes in the glass. A very nice wine and great value.