Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another of my favorite treasure troves for value-priced Spanish wines is Jumilla. This single vineyard 2009 Las Gravas, owned by Jose Maria Vicente, is an amazing wine that must be tasted to be believed. Its intense dense purple color is accompanied by copious notes of kirsch, black raspberries, blueberries and underbrush intertwined with hints of truffles and graphite. Aged 18 months in new French oak demi-muids, it is a full-bodied, stunningly pure blend of 80% Monastrell, 10% Garnacha and 10% Syrah. The old vine Grenache component gives the wine a remarkable layered texture and plushness. The vineyard is planted in limestone and gravel soils at an altitude of 2,200+ feet. Drink this beauty over the next 7-8+ years.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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!