2010 Las Gravas

The 2010 Las Gravas, a blend of 70% Monastrell, 20% Syrah and 10% Garnacha aged 18 months in foudres, comes from chalky, stony soils at 750 meters altitude. This wine reveals amazing richness along with a full-bodied mouthfeel, dense blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with hints of chalk, acacia flowers, licorice and graphite, terrific body, a multilayered texture and a long finish. A prodigious offering, it represents unreal value at $25 a bottle. It should drink well for 2-3 years. Considered by many observers to be the finest estate in Jumilla, Casa Castillo is a treasure-trove for fabulous values, particularly from the Monastrell (Mourvedre) grape that loves the chalky terroirs and cool slopes of the Sierra del Molar. Importer: European Cellars - Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565; www.europeancellars.com