Estio Rosado 2011 (monastrell, syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon)
Classic fruit driven rose nose, ripe cherries and strawberries, slightly creamy and yet fresh. Full generous soft, good level of fruit sweetness, very approachable and friendly. Good consistency and balance. Drop an ice cube in, why not?
Valcorso Barrica Monastrell 2010 (four months in barrel)
Nice deep soft ruby purple colour. Dark floral notes with oodles of cassis, plum, blackberry and some very subtle sweet spices as well. Quite intense very young and exuberant, fresh and pure, well integrated oak, nice clean finish. A little tightness and intensity.
Trapio Monastrell 2008 (14 months in barrel)
Denser earthier forest characters, very rich fertile dark soils, undergrowth, dark berries. Slightly closed and tight, very focused, intense tannins, deep ripe but not sweet fruit, very mature sensibilities and a little sharp at the moment. Needs a little more time in bottle, tough vintage.
Esencia Monastrell Dulce 2011
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. So nice. I need to confirm if I’ve had this before. It has a very floral nose, more than the dry wine, but the fruit profile is virtually the same. On the palate it is full yet soft and the sweetness carreses every part of the mouth. It is far from cloying however, and could go with dark meats with a sweet sauce. Or as part of the sauce…
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The Intrepid Wino 