Bodega Senorio de Barahonda Barrica, Monastrell – Syrah 2012, Yecla, Spain

Tasting Note: If you like primitivo or red zinfandel, try monastrell (i.e., mourvédre) and monastrell-based blends from Spain; you won’t be disappointed.

Medium ruby in color this wine has a pronounced and aromatic nose of violet, black cherry, white pepper and raspberry with clove and cinnamon baking space.

The nose shows intense complexity. On the palate the dry, medium-plus bodied monastrell and syrah blend delivers on flavors suggested on the nose though with more restrained fruit.

There is midpalate complexity and medium-plus, well-integrated tannin.

The syrah gives the blend needed structure and provides a perfect complement to monastrell which is the shining star in the blend.

Bottle Note: 75% Monastrell, 25% Syrah. A medium to full-bodied, lusciously fruity crowd-pleaser revealing blackberry and cassis intermixed with hints of camphor, licorice and spicy oak. This red pairs well with roasted and grilled red meats, pork, Tandoori chicken and even pastrami on rye. Produced from dry-farmed vines planted in 1968-1970, growing in rocky limestone soil in Yecla (Zone 8) at 713 m (2,339’) elevation. Average temp during the April-October growing season is 18.8°C (66°F); annual rainfall is 330mm (13”). Aged 6 months in French oak.