I'm going in for elbow reconstruction surgery tomorrow, and last night was the last night I could have any alcohol for a while so we had a bottle. I found this on a Clearance shelf for $7:
Casa de la Ermita "Dulce Tinto" 500ml, 2013, monastrell, 15% abv (Jumilla)
I've had monastrell before (and Mourvèdre, of course, usually in the typical blends), but never a sweet version. I really enjoyed it. Deep, deeeep inky color - if it were a vintage port I would have assumed it was only just bottled the week before. Had the same level of sweetness as an LBV, also, but with a distinctly different flavor profile and bouquet. In the mouth it hit me right up front with an astringent pucker, but not tannic astringency. I think it's actually more from reduction, which you certainly get from monastrell/Mourvèdre at times. But it wasn't off-putting, and was quickly overwhelmed by sweetness anyway. Surprisingly long finish.
It's always fun trying grapes and wines you've never had before, and this was no exception. I'm actually surprised I've never had one of these before, but there you are. Wifey loved it, and it paired nicely with pears and blue cheese.
Well, I'm off to get sliced-n-diced. I may not be able to return to the keyboard for a few weeks after tonight (I'll be in an immobilizing brace), so my apologies in advance if I don't acknowledge any responses to this.
See ya on the other side!