Vintages Release TDB, 2021

• The following 2019 Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula – Organic’ Monastrell was sourced from 100% monastrell grapes from two districts—Las Gruesas and Pozuelo—whose soils are high in limestone content and have the highest elevation in the region. After alcoholic fermentation it underwent 10 days of malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks before maturing for six months in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels, with 50% new oak.

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Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula – Organic’ Monastrell 2019
DO Yecla, Spain $14.95 (718999) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of exotic spice and incense intertwine with dark berry fruit aromas on the nose of this popular, exceptional-value red monastrell—aka mourvèdre. It’s rich and luscious on the palate with a surge of creamy-smooth, medium-full bodied river of delicious flavours—black currant, black plum and dark juicy cherry—interwoven with excellent tang and acidity and soft, ripe tannin. The finish is nicely balanced and the aftertaste replays palate flavours along with notions of espresso roast and wood smoke. Pour with back ribs smoked, grilled and mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. Aerate/decant for two hours before service. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2017 Bodegas Castaño ‘Solanera – Old Vines’ was sourced from the small wine DOC of Yecla in south-eastern Spain. Old vines of monastrell, cabernet sauvignon and grenache contributed to this delicious red blend. Grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 26-28ºC then the wine was matured for ten months in 80% French and 20% American oak.

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Bodegas Castaño ‘Solanera – Vinas Viejas’ 2017
DO Yecla, Spain $19.95 (276162) 14.5% alcohol
Delicate alluring aromas waft easily from the glass with floral notes, mocha and sandalwood to the fore. It bathes the palate with delicious, mellow and smooth palate flavours of cherry clafoutie and black bramble berry nicely juxtaposed with pizzazz from tang-infused passion fruit. It finishes dry and lengthy with nicely balanced components on the finish and aftertaste. Pour with rare-grilled skirt steak or Sunday-dinner roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with mushroom gravy. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Bodegas Castaño ‘Alcaria – Old Vines’ was sourced from carefully selected bush vines of 60% monastrell/25% syrah/15% garnacha tintorera grapes that were cool fermented for eight to ten days then underwent malolactic conversion before ageing in 80% French and 20% American oak.

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Bodegas Castaño ‘Alcaria – Old Vines’ 2019
DO Yecla, Spain $17.95 (10692) 14.0% alcohol
Wood smoke, tobacco leaf and grilled savory herb aromas dominate the nose. It’s medium bodied, deftly balanced and beautifully textured on the palate with plenty to like. Flavours of ripe juicy black plum and black Bing cherry interlace with crunchy red fruit—cherry and currant—and oodles of tang and acidity. There’s persistent purity of fruit and good structure and balance throughout. It finishes dry and lip-smacking good. Pour with red meat you pull off the grill—burgers, ribs, gourmet sausage or steak. (Vic Harradine)