Sunday, September 30, 2007

Castano Monastrell 2005

The Winoblog team has been drinking but not posting. Sorry 'bout that. I think we have mainly been repeating selections previously written about. Anyway, here's a new one that caught my eye this week in the supermarket. The large bold "C" on the label seemed familar. Turns out it's another juicy tasty offering from Bodegas Castaño. (see July 1st post). This is 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) - loaded with fruit in the right concentration.

Winemaker notes: "Excellent example of the Monastrell grape in its early years. Intense aromas of black fruit (plums) and less ripe red fruit (cranberries, mulberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants). On the palate it is fruity and fresh, and alive with tannins which leaves a pleasant aftertaste."

The Wine Advocate - "The 2005 Monastrell is an insane value produced from three vineyard sites ranging in age from 40-60 years. Opaque purple-colored, it gives up fragrant aromas of blue fruits, plums, and prunes. Ripe, layered, and full-flavored, this hedonistic effort can be enjoyed now but will surely evolve for 2-3 years. Match it with beef and lamb."

$6.99 at Western.

Friday, September 07, 2007

French wine map

I just received this in an email from the French Tourist Office - it's an interactive map (in English) of French winegrowing regions. C'est utile pour l'education.

View map