2006 Bodegas Olivares Monastrell Altos de la Hoya – Spain, Murcia, Jumilla (6/20/2008)
Orange peel, black fruit, spices, and liquor on the forceful, somewhat lactic nose. The attack is fairly sweet and alcoholic; it is followed by dollops of sweet black fruit, fruit syrup, Szechuan pepper, orange fruit, orange peel, good acidity and kirsch. Port-like, but still a drinking wine, maybe Amarone comes to mind as something comparable, although this is less serious. If served on the cool side this is still an impressive, although probably not very food friendly wine. It is a matter of personal taste how high you score it, but there’s no contest that this is something special (certainly at the price level). Probably not an ager. Good qpr. Update: after about 2 hours in an half open bottle, this fell completely apart: the nose became rubbery and unpleasant, as did the palate. Lowered my score. If you are going to open this, drink it up soon. And don’t age it too long. (88 pts.)
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