WTN: 2010 Castillo de Monséran Cariñena Garnacha

$8.95 at the LCBO. Solid natural cork closure. 12.5% alc./vol.

Dark ruby-magenta colour; good saturation and a very pretty hue. Fruity, slightly bubblegummy nose, with Grenache's peppery spice coming to the fore. The spice became more dominant with time in the open bottle. A slight cooked-fruit note might hint at a hot fermentation, though it is a minor nuance in the overall bouquet. Lots of red berries with every swirl. Crisp acidity with a warm mid-palate and grippy but moderate tannin. Warm again on the aft-palate, with a clean, pleasantly dry and nicely tannic finish.

I wasn't expecting such a nice wine, but wanted to try the variety for its provenance in this example. A great bargain for the low price.

Hi Paul B,

Nice tasting note. Is this a general list wine, or a vintages wine?

general list wine, or a vintages wine?

Hey Tom,

This one's on general list, though I don't know if all stores will carry it. It is worth a try, and is one of those rare gems that clocks in well under ten bucks and manages to deliver quality and balance!

I hear that a new megastore is coming to the Soo, eh?

general list wine, or a vintages wine?

Hey Tom,

This one's on general list, though I don't know if all stores will carry it. It is worth a try, and is one of those rare gems that clocks in well under ten bucks and manages to deliver quality and balance!

I hear that a new megastore is coming to the Soo, eh?

Yes,
We are finally getting a nice big LCBO in the Sault. It is going to be awhile, though. Construction starts this summer.

Thanks for the tip, Paul. I will look out for this one.