Bodegas Piqueras, Almansa (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) Monastrell 2018

 The Monastrell bottling in the high-end “Los Losares” line is aged for 14 months in very large 5,000 liter casks to moderate oak influence and retain primary fruit character.  The vines average 70 years of age, are un-grafted, and are farmed organically.  This is very nearly as good as the Garnacha in this producer’s same line, and as both of them are outright steals for the rough price of $23 being asked for them in world markets, you should grab this by the armful if you can find it.  The purity of fruit is exceptional for Monastrell, which often has a “cooked” or “stewed” character from old vine parcels in the broader area around Almansa (witness the many wines from Jumilla or Yecla that are impressive for a sip but almost undrinkable when it comes to a second glass).  Black plums and Bing cherries come first to mind by analogy to the flavors presented on the palate, and some savory accents are already emerging from this 2018 release, which is sure to become even more interesting in the years ahead.  That’s not to say that this needs aging, which it definitely doesn’t, thanks to the wise decision to run this through its elevage in very large cooperage to keep the lovely fruit singing from center stage.  Undeniably delicious.