Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A pure garnacha from Jumilla showing typical aromas of candied cherries, rose petals and hot stones. Bright with lots of pure upfront fruit on the palate. Firm and lightly austere finish. Made from old vines.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I tasted a first tentative blend of the 2015 El Molar a few weeks before bottling, a very pale and delicate, perfumed and insinuating Garnacha. The bottling was finally delayed, so I didn't have time to taste the final version, hence the range of scores, which should be pretty accurate. In 2015 the volumes for El Molar were increased as new plantings came into production and the year was normal in terms of yields after a very short 2014. This is the first year the wine is produced with 100% full clusters, in a vintage when they had a bit of everything, higher ripeness but also freshness and balanced. The wine is rich and aromatic, a little intoxicating, with aromas of dry flowers and a touch of aromatic herbs. The palate shows ultra fine tannins and very good balance. 53,00 bottles produced and bottled in two lots. Range: 92-93
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Famous for the robust and earthy, black-fruit dominated, Monastrell (known as Mourvedre in France), Jumilla is an arid and hot region in southeastern Spain. Its vine yields tend to be torturously low but this can create wines of exceptional intensity and flavor. Quality combined with accessible price points give the region great recognition on international markets far and wide.
The reds from Jumilla are heady and spicy, packed with fruit and show aromas of dried licorice and herbs. If you like Syrah, Grenache or Pinot noir, a red wine from Jumilla would be a perfect next choice!