Outstanding monastrell: Los Frailes Caliza 2020

Monastrell means great value, the wines in the €7-8 range almost always over-deliver (see here and here for example). However I find the pricier ones less reliable. But here is an exception, the Caliza 2020 from Bodegas Los Frailes is a step up in quality and still has a good QPR.

Dark, sunbaked fruit. Warm climate ripeness with a fresh, primary edge in the form of violets and blueberries. Dates and a touch of 99% dark chocolate, a detailed nose. Amazing purity, no oak in sight. Smooth and full on the palate, powerful but controlled and tight. Southern generosity with finesse. Firm, chewy tannins. A textbook monastrell but with more depth and there is something special about it. In a way it reminds me to a chateauneuf-du-pape. Outstanding wine, 91 points. Ready now, drink to 2026. €15.35, stockist: Decantalo.