mar13

Amazing value from Spain’s eastern coast - a main source of monastrell grape. Deep dark medium-bodied red, very smooth core with flavours of ripe black berries and liquorice notes. Hints of smoked herbs. Moderate acidity and light tannins add good structure. Everyday wine which goes well with almost every meal. Tasted November 2012.

Exceptional value.

Exceptional value, little bit of everything yet basic, and for under $10.

I recognize that this wine is a cut above many at twice the price (think yellow tail). But despite a few redeeming qualities (fairly layered aromatics for example) it has a characteristic flat glycerine backbone that too me pollutes the palate with a confected and artificial mouthfeel. Many pleasant flavour descriptors are there but they lack focus, blending into a kind of amorphous viscousness. Totally fine for a $9 wine but the Heculas MONASTRELL 2009 for $11.80 is worlds better and offers true refinement for an extra $2.80.

Nice fruit, with pronounced herbal notes and spice. A dead ringer for a Cotes Du Rhone. A bit simple and not the depth of more expensive examples, but nice value at just $9. Certainly a worthy wine for those on a budget. Tasted April 2013.

Good stuff, bit tart for me but but great for the price