Olivares Altos de la Hoya 2011
Monastrell (aslo known as Mourvèdre or Mataró) $11.98
Jumilla, Spain
14% alcohol
Charles - 3.75 stars
Melissa - 3.5 stars
Visual: Deep, rich burgundy in color. Border line purple. No staining with moderately formed legs.
Aromatics: Cherries, Plums, Dried fruits, Leather, Vanilla, Spice, and all things nice.
Sip: Starts soft on the palate and builds into big flavors expected of Spanish wine. Medium tannin's initially but ease on the back end. Smooth finish with lingering cherries and a pleasant spiciness which makes you look forward to the cold weather ahead.
I'll admit that I only bought this wine due to the wine spectator clipping that was loosely taped to the rack. It had a good score (90), interesting tasting notes, and a good price. When I brought it home and started writing this review, I realized I had no idea what the hell it was. What is "Monastrell?" Apparently its a Rhone grape (Mourvèdre) or as its called in the US, Mataró. I'll try to commit that to memory.
Mourvèdre is believed to have developed in Spain (Catalonia area) and spread into France in the 16th century. It was widely planted until the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century. Mourvèdre didn't take well to the american root stock (that solved the phylloxera epidemic) and was replanted with other varieties as a result.
Mourvèdre is used all by itself, but is also commonly blended. GSM wines, or Southern Rhone Blends use Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. Mourvèdre is known to be fairly tannic and earthy, but is largely dependent on the terroir.
Here are some others I want to try:
California - Cline Ancient Vine Mourvèdre 2011 - $13.99
CASTANO MONASTRELL'11/12 750ml - $9.99
CASA CASTILLO MONASTRELL'10/11 - $11.99
HEWITSON OLD GARDEN MOURVED'10 $75.99
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