Jumilla is a municipality and also an up and coming wine producing region in southeastern Spain. It is located in the province of Murcia, along with other appellations (or they call Denomination of Origin or simply DO) such as Yecla, Alicante and Bulla. Jumilla’s wine production is particularly notable for its use of Monastrell (Mourvedre) as a varietal.
Like many areas from the old world of wine making. Spain, the third largest producer of wine (after France and Italy), is going through a revolution despite its very rich winemaking tradition. New generation of winemakers are not just learning the art (and science) of winemaking from grandpa and papa but they are soaking much on modern winemaking knowledge and investing big money in both viticulture and modern wine making equipments. The new Spain has arrived and getting better vintage after vintage!
The Finca Luzon is a Monastrell blend. Bright red fruits of strawberry, raspberry, red cherry with violets from the nose. Juicy on the palate, lots of ripe red fruits mixed with spicy herb, tobacco, violets with some stew fruit reduction characters then smoke, potpourri and a hint of varietal bitterness to follow in the finish. This is a good wine with food because of its acidity. (Rating 88-90 points) by Michael Lam of the Beverage Review.
Chateau de Carles is from Fronsac in right bank of Bordeaux. Fronsac is considered as a ‘minor’ region north west of two more famous communes west of Pomerol and St. Emilion. Here the main grapes are merlot and Cabernet Franc as to the predominant Cabernet Sauvignon in the left bank. 2003 was an usually hot year. Much merlot in the Pomerol region shut down during the summer months due to the intense heat but St. Emilion did. Also, many minor producers benefit from the heat producing ripe and plummy fruit. The Ch. de Carles was sold at Cad$23 - considered as a value buy. The wine has some vibrant red fruit (red cherry, red soft berry) intermixed with some earth, soil and barnyard characters. What came in tasting was it also carried some dark chocolate,ink block, graphite and licorice characters. The body was medium and soft. Not too complex but has reasonable solid structure. Drink up within the next 2-4 years. (Rating 86-88 points) by Michael Lam of the Beverage Review.
Wine Tasting Clip of Penfold’s Rawson’s Retreat Merlot 2006, from the Virtual Wine Tasting Event, ‘A Taste of Wine Relief’ held on 03 Mar 2007.
WINE: Penfold’s Rawson’s Retreat Merlot 2006
VINTAGE: 2006
PRODUCER: Penfold’s
GRAPES: Merlot
REGION: South Australia
COUNTRY: Australia
ONE WORD: Deep
TASTING: A definite crowd-pleaser. Very bright, purple colour with a bouquet of juicy red fruits and hints of spice from the oak. The palate has noticeable juicy cherries and plums with well-integrated oak and soft tannins.
FOOD MATCH: Superb roast beef, best spuds and huge yorkies - “Happy Days with the Naked Chef” by Jamie Oliver
With Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate coming out with the new scores on many 2005’s, Gary is inspired to go right back to the old school and taste some Bordeaux.
