It is great fun to taste varieties that are most often used for blending as stand-alone wines as they are often chosen as such because of a standout characteristic that the maker decides is deserving of its own showcase. Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre) is usually deployed because of the depth it can add to a blend, and a little can go a long way with its tarry character. Here, black and blue fruit sing on the nose and ride alongside the tar notes on the palate, finishing long and nicely integrated. Bravo!
94 Rich Cook
Mano Mona, Spain Monastrell “Proyecto No. 04” 2022 ($19, Lionstone International)
By Rich Cook
