Bodegas, Castano Monastrell, 2006
According to the Wine Advocate: "The 2005 Monastrell is an insane value ... 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.” Hmmm ... Not exactly my experience. Though I drank the 06 and not the 05.
The nose was prune and blueberry, with a little bit of pepper. That prune and blueberry returned in the taste, along with stems. There was that fruit-driven sweetness (not literally sweet). The body was medium. The finish went almost immediately dry.
Overall, this is not a very complex wine. Take some prunes, add some blueberries and grape stems, and blend -- yeah, it's like that. Except for that taste of stems, there's nothing really earthy about this wine. If blind-folded, the style would lead me to guess this to be from Australia, Chile or maybe California -- not Europe. Not terrible, but certainly not an "insane" value in my book.
Cost:
(like $11)Rating:
5.0(Mourvedre)