2001 Castano Solanera

[newsguy]

when all the buzz started on this wine a few months back, i picked up a bottle of this monastrel/cab mix and wasn't that impressed. but RP gave it a 93, and folks continued to rave about it (on another board), so i decided to give this another try. i figured maybe i just missed something or had an off bottle....

second time was the charm. dark, purplish ruby color. decanted 45 minutes and bingo: deep nose of blueberries, blackberries and cherries, with a hint of vanilla and oak. (reminded me of a shiraz) tastes of same, with mild, drying tannins. medium weight on the palate and a good finish. after a night with the vacu-vin, spice and earth notes came into play. at this point, the nose is bigger than the taste, and the wine definitely improves with air time. i'd say decant at least 45 minutes. not a 93 wine by any stretch in my mind, but i'd give it a solid 89. and it's a bargain at $11.99.