Bodegas Castaño Monastrell Yecla Solanera Viñas Viejas 2005

Dark blood rose in color showing big black cherry notes with hints of baking spice. Although, I have a strange feeling that this wine is much like a clown car, where if you wait long enough, once th door opens, not just one clown (or flavor, in this sense) comes bounding out of the car, but dozens of aromas. In the mouth, the wine is thick and dense, showing straight-forward flavors of red black pepper, black cherry, prune and slate. Think big when you think of this wine, and while you're at it, plan on red meat or duck. You'll want something a little sweet and juicy to balance the big mineral overtones of the wine.

February 2008