We all have “Tuesday thru Thursday” wines. You know, the “house” selection that used to be a jug, then a magnum of Chilean Merlot or Cabernet for me. These days, my choice seems mostly wines from Spain and I don’t blog too many of these because so few are that notable but they do pair well with food and are better than most domestic alternatives at the same price.
I spied this selection at my local Trader Joe’s market where the stacks of Napa River and Carmenere used to be. I picked up a bottle and when I checked out the guy said to let this one “breathe” for 30 minutes or so. Being a wine geek, I thought this was pretty interesting advice for a $4 wine but I filed it away for later (did I have a true Rhone-like Mourvedre blend here?).
When I opened and first sampled this wine I wondered where he came up with this advice since there was nothing gained from aeration from my perspective. What I did find was a very flavorful wine with the kind of mouthfeel you might find in wines in the $15-20 dollar range. Quite a find for $4 a bottle in my book.
Enciro, Monastrell-Merlot, “El Bully”, Jumilla, Spain 2004 – ($4) A blend of 85% Monastrell (Mourvedre) and 15% Merlot from the Jumilla DO of Spain. Dark purple in color with aromas of black cherry, licorice and spice. Rich black raspberry fruit flavors with white pepper and sweet tannins. The weight and flavor profile suggests a wine four to five times the price here so I’ll see you at Trader Joe’s stocking up in case lots.
13.5% ABV
Synthetic cork closure
Score: 85
Where can I buy this monastrell merlot ENCIRO?
I found one bottle in Iowa City and loved it.
I’d like to buy some more!