A top vintage of this truly incredible value, from ancient and ungrafted (very rare and much mo betta) Monastrell or Mourvedre vines.
Wine Spectator 92 (best Tarima Hill ever), and Top 100 Selection:
This bold red features a thick, rich texture, with ripe, heady flavors of currant and blackberry preserves, backed by cocoa, espresso and loamy earth notes. Muscular tannins are well-integrated, with enough orange peel acidity to keep this lively. Harmonious, in a full-throttle style. Drink now through 2027.
Also Vinous 91:
Saturated ruby. Aromas of ripe cherry, boysenberry, licorice and pungent flowers, along with a hint of vanilla. Sappy, broad and well-concentrated, offering plush black and blue fruit flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Smoothly plays power off energy and finishes long and sappy, displaying sneaky tannins and an echoing vanilla note.
Decanter rates this “Outstanding,” too:
A beautiful bruiser with ripe black fruit, leather and spice notes, a lot of wine for the money. Full bodied with fruit to match the brawny structure.
The next-best NC price is $15 – which as all the critics say, is still a steal for an ancient vine Monastrell (Mourvedre) like this. Indeed, a Bandol of this quality would easily set you back $40 or more.
