I'll taste them all so you don't have to!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Vinos Sin-Ley M5 Monastrell 2009, Yecla, Spain


So Mom and I are going for a wine run at World Market, as we often do. We're trying to find our six picks, (because at World Market, six bottles = 10% off!) and I'm struggling.  I like trying new vino as often as possible.  One, to help write this thing, and two, because I just like adventure. Hah.  I've gotten a Monastrell from World Market before.  Jumila Monastrell, 2008.  Super good stuff.  But, of course, I can't ever find it again.  So I spot this green bottle with "Monastrell" prominently featured on the front.  Sweet.  I've never met a Monastrell I didn't like.

This guy didn't disappoint me.  The nose is assertive and slightly smoky with pretty black fruit. (Black fruit = think blueberries, blackberries... any dark-colored berry)  On the tongue it is quite smooth and balanced with some super pleasant tannins.  It's warming down the throat.  Super interesting wine for the price point.  I'm glad Mom and I bought two!

Technical Info:

Varietal: 100%  Monastrell (a lovely, little-known Spanish red varietal)
Alcohol: 14% 
Origin: Yecla, Spain
Price: ~$12 at World Market and other wine retailers
Rachel's Grade: A/A-   Way to go winemakers.  Very nice job on this one.  It's almost as much wine as you're ever going to get for the price (outside of vineyard-hopping in rural Italy).  Not sure if I'd call it a crowd pleaser, as it's a little too complex for new drinkers, but I'd definitely say it is a vino veteran hit.  Pour it in a decanter at a dinner party and pretend you paid a lot more than you did.  You can even throw out there that it's a Wine Advocate fave- 90+ points every vintage.  But if anybody asks, you heard of it here ;)

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