2005 Bodegas Castaño Monastrell Yecla Hécula (Spain, Murcia, Yecla)

This wine is still very tight. It needs at least 90 minutes in the decanter to be fully enjoyed in the near term. Very dark purple color. Early on this wine was very dry with very little of the fruit showing through. After about 2 hours of aeration the wine showed lots of black fruit aromas as well as leather and a touch of smoke. Across the palate there were blackberry, pepper and leather notes. This wine is quite and the finish is drying. Monastrell is the Spanish version of the French Mourvedre. It’s widely planted in Spain and is generally blended with Grenache or Garnacha. If you can decant this value priced ($13) red wine from the Yelca region of Spain  it’s a good wine for the money.

2007 Bodegas Castaño Monastrell Yecla (Spain, Murcia, Yecla)

Dark garnet in color. The nose consists of leather and damp earth. The black fruit flavors are layered with smoke, and a touch of oak. The tannins are big and bold but will lay down with some time in the decanter which is a must for full enjoyment of this wine in the near term. Located in Southeastern Spain, the region of Yecla lies to the east of Jumilla and to the west of Alicante. The Yecla region’s progressive leader, Bodegas Castaño, has long been an advocate of the Monastrell varietal, also known as Mourvèdre. The varietal is best regarded for its influence on the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape where the terroir and climate is not dissimilar to that of Yecla. Both benefit from a very warm, Mediterranean climate with warm days and nights. This wine is very affordable ($10-12) and quite enjoyable.