#17 Wine of the Year:
This red shows grace and depth. Black cherry, plum, mineral and smoke flavors mingle harmoniously over well-integrated tannins, while lively acidity keeps this focused. Not showy, but all the pieces fit together. Balanced, in the modern style. Monastrell. Drink now through 2025.
And Parker:
Another terrific value is the 2015 Tarima (Nonorganic) from Alicante and another 100% Mourvèdre cuvée, aged six months in French oak. This wine has terrific aromatics, broad, expansive flavors, about 15% natural alcohol and an expansive, heady mouthfeel. This is rich, dense and Provençal in its flavor components. Totally aged in used oak and stainless steel, the wine is a real sleeper and big-time winner in the values sweepstakes. Drink it over the next several years.
And Vinous:
Bright purple. Heady, exotic aromas of candied dark fruits, incense, vanilla and smoky minerals, backed by subtle floral notes. Sweet and broad on the palate, offering intense blueberry and cherry-vanilla flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Hangs on with strong tenacity on the finish, which features velvety tannins and an echo of sweet blue fruit.
