Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This Jumilla red exhibits crushed dark fruits, black licorice and espresso in addition to hints of black pepper. Full and rich with polished tannins that deliver lots of fruit on the finish. Made from a single vineyard of old-vine monastrell. Drink now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Las Gravas, a blend that has been changing through the years and that in 2013 was 70% Monastrell with 15% each Garnacha and Syrah, had an extended élevage and was only bottled in July 2015, so it's been released later than the other wines from that vintage. This traditional red from north-facing vineyards on sandy soils covered with big boulders fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in barrel for some 19 months. If last time I thought the 2012 could have been the best Las Gravas ever, this time I have the same feeling with this 2013 from a cooler vintage which allowed for a slower ripening of the grapes and better acidity and freshness in the wine. The wine might be slightly marked by the élevage and still has some spicy aromas nicely interwoven with notes of bright red cherries, raspberries and flowers, with the signature thyme and rosemary. The palate feels terribly balanced, with some dusty tannins and a supple finish, not as refined as the Pie Franco, slightly rustic, but elegantly rustic. Of course it can be drunk now, especially with food, but I'd wait to pull the cork, as this should be a fantastic bottle of Las Gravas in a few years. 52,300 bottles produced.
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!