monastrell
Outstanding monastrell: Los Frailes Caliza 2020
Yet another great value monastrell: Paraje Marín Bruma 2020
Casa Castillo Monastrell 2021
After Castano Hecula, here is another monastrell, one with a completely different style. This is a very contemporary interpretation of the variety
Great value, as usual – Castano Hecula Monastrell Organic 2020
Bodegas Castano’s Hecula is an old favourite of mine, yet this is the first time for me to taste the organic version. It’s a bit different compared to the previous vintages, I wonder if the winemaking has changed, too, not just the grape cultivation method.
Chateau Fontareche “Cuvée 1682” 2017, Corbieres
The Monastrell that received 99 points – Casa Castillo Pie Franco 2017, Jumilla

Jumilla’s top name, Casa Castillo already got some attention in recent years, but receiving 99 points from Wine Advocate speeds up things a little more. As the high rating was published for their top wine, stocks at most online merchants quickly disappeared – but interestingly this new superstar of a wine is still available at Lobenberg’s in Germany. This was the case when I payed 77 Euros for a single bottle (not something I can afford on a regular basis) and felt lucky.
High end Mourvedre: Tempier Cabassaou 2016, Bandol

Domaine Tempier is a legendary estate in Provance, who changed history almost a century ago. It’s a fascinating story and surly the most important one when it comes to the Mourvedre/Monastrell variety, I highly suggest to read it on the Kermit Lynch webpage.
Rustic Beauty – Rafael Cambra Casabosca 2017, Valencia

What’s your main criterion when browsing through a wine webshop? Mine is variety for sure. I was looking for Mourvedre/Monastrell wines when bumped into this Valencia red. It’s a blend actually (the other players are Arco, Forcayat del arco and Bonicaire), but turned out to be a good choice.
Outstanding full-bodied red: Juan Gil Silver Label 2017

A little step up in price compared to previous Monastrells, but quality is higher, too. In other words a more serious wine and still the best value one can get for the money.