2008 El Nido Clio

The 2008 Clio is made up of 70% old vine Monastrell sourced from a vineyard planted in 1944 and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted in 1979. The alcoholic fermentation is in oak followed by malolactic fermentation in new barrels and aging for 24 months in new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits an expressive nose of pain grille, underbrush, brier, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry fruit leading to a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish. In spite of its size, it is surprisingly light on its feet and can be approached now. However, it will evolve for 3-4 years and offer prime drinking from 2014 to 2023. Bodegas El Nido is a project of the Gil family of Jumilla with the winemaking overseen by the veteran vigneron Chris Ringland of New Zealand. Importer: Gil Family Estates, Jumilla, Spain, with importer/distributors in 26 states

Ripe and meaty, the 2008 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio, mostly Monastrell from vines averaging 60 years in age, sports a dense purple color to go with spiced cassis and black fruits, tobacco, coffee, and loamy earth like aromas on the nose. Despite the expected upfront fruit, this shows solid underlying herb, pepper and mineral characteristics that lend complexity to what is normally a very fruit driven wine. Full bodied and beautifully balanced on the palate, with loads of polished, hedonistic fruit, a silky, light texture, and long finish, this is a gorgeous wine that delivers solid aromatics, as well as a silky, polished palate. I don’t know how this will age (given the blend, one would think very well) but it’s certainly delicious now and given then upfront profile, I don’t see any reason to hold off either.