Bodegas Castano Hecula 2008

Merlot, Petite Sirah or Shiraz lovers - try this purply dark, full-bodied red! Black fruits galore with a sweet vanilla, almost white chocolate nose and a satisfying, meaty finish with medium tannin.

The 2002 Hecula, a custom cuvee made for the American market, is a 100% Mourvedre (grown in pure limestone at an altitude of 800 meters) aged in equal parts tank and French oak. There are 12,000 cases of this deep ruby/purple-colored, dense effort. It offers big, substantial blackberry, earthy, currant flavors with hints of cherry and licorice in the background. Surprisingly intense and pure, it represents a terrific bargain. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.

The 2001 Hecula (4,500 cases) was fashioned from 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre), non-irrigated, 40-year old vines. It was bottled with neither fining nor filtration after spending eight months in used French and American barrels. This amazing red possesses sweetness, suppleness, and superb purity, no small accomplishment for the normally astringent, tough-textured Mourvedre. Notes of graphite, blackberries, cassis, leather, barbecue spice, and smoke are followed by an earthy, rich, full-bodied, silky-textured wine that caresses the palate. It should drink well for 4-5 years. This is a cutting edge effort from one of Spain's backwater, but soon to be famous appellations.

The 2008 Hecula is 100% Monastrell sourced from 35- to 60-year-old vines and aged 50% in tank and 50% in French oak. Purple-colored, it offers up a compelling nose of underbrush, pepper, and blueberry. Ripe, sweetly-fruited, and forward, this crowd-pleaser can be enjoyed now and over the next 4 years.

Monastrell, or Mourvedre as it is more commonly known in French-and English-speaking parts of the globe, has a reputation for producing dry, tannic wines that occasionally reek of horse manure. Not so in sunny Spain, where a growing number of clean, berry-fruited offerings are turning up at bargain prices. This medium-weight Monastrell combines forward berry fruit with chocolate notes and just a hint of tree bark on the finish.

Perched atop high peaks in southeastern Spain (D.O. Yecla), this 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) demonstrates classic old world charm at an amazing price. There's conservative use of French oak permitting alluring notes of plum, black cherry and toast to resonate. Firm tannins and fully extracted with plenty of acidity to maintain the lively fruit through the finish.

A modern-style offering from the up-and-coming region of Yecla, near Alicante. The grape used is Monastrell, aka Mourvèdre. It's bold and packed with blackberry, pepper and other spices. It's the perfect wine to enjoy with barbeque, stews or roasts. This wine busted onto the scene just a couple of years ago, earning acolades for its full flavors and overall character. For the price, it's a big-time bargain.