The 2011 Altos de la Hoya produced from un-grafted 40-year-old Monastrell with a balance of 5% Garnacha (blending a little Garnacha with the Monastrell starts sounding like a popular idea), fermented in stainless steel with natural yeasts. Then half of the wine is aged for six months in 6,000-liter French oak vats and the other half in 225-liter barriques. Clean, bright cherry robe, a polished nose of red and black fruits, well-integrated oak, with a straight palate, good acidity and the red and black fruit coming back in a very pleasant finish. 250,000 bottles produced. This is even better value. Drink 2014-2016. Bodegas Olivares was created in 1930 by the grandfather of the current owners. All their wines come from their vineyards in their Hoya de Santa Ana state in the northwest of the Jumilla appellation at 825 meters above sea level. The sandy soils with a high percentage of chalk have managed to avoid the attack of phyloxera, so today they own 110 hectares of un-grafted Monastrell averaging 45-years-old, and a further 165 hectares of Monastrell, Syrah, Garnacha and Merlot grafted onto American rootstocks. They have an annual average production of 800,000 bottles. Imported by The Rare Wine Company, Sonoma, CA tel. (800) 999-4342; www.rarewineco.com

This red is round and juicy, with lively acidity behind the plum, dried cherry, herbal and earthy flavors. A touch rustic, but fresh and balanced. Drink now through 2015. 20,000 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add