'03 Castano Monastrell

[Innkeeper]

2003 Castano, Monastrell, Yecla ($7.50 Blue Hill Wine Shop). This is 100% Mourvedre, and the alcohol level is 14%. I know that Hotwine posted on the '02 Mourvedre/Cabernet Sauvignon blend at a slightly higher price, but this one is very well worth seeking out, if the price is similar in your area.

Gives a brilliant cherry red to the eye. Also gives black cherry, blackberry, and spice to the nose and upfront. More gobs of fruit and spicy complexity with minimum noticible acid or tannin in the middle, and an absolutely lovely finish. Here's the kicker: My lovely demanded half of it!!! She usually only wants a glass and a half.

Matched it with broiled fillet steak, roasted fingerly potatoes, and salad in blue cheese dressing. Fantastic!!!

Get your wines from Yecla before RP finds out.