Council of 3 – Jumilla

This wine was a stumper.

2006 Bodegas Agapito Rico Carchelo – Jumilla Monastrell

To start off, I’ll say that the blind tasters had not a single clue as to what this wine was. I guessed a malbec and Mike guessed a petite sirah. The wine is actually a monastrell (also known as mourvedre) from south east Spain. Some descriptions of the nose include fig newtons, strawberry preserves, and stewed asparagus. This wine has balls, but not like tennis balls – more like basketballs. If facing this beast one probably should go into battle with a nice cut of steak, and make sure not to retreat once rushing the enemy lines.

Eric’s score: 90 (unblind)
Steve’s score: 87
Mike’s score: 87

CoVM score: 88

Definitely a wine worth trying, and a solid example of what mourvedre can do in Spain.