No pro ratings that I could find; 89+ WT; $16

We now have another entry into the Spanish wine journal in the Winetex household. After opening a Northern Rhone that was so bad it was tossed we opened this one. It is from the Jumilla Region in Spain and is 50% Monastrell (mouvedre), 25% cabernet and 25% tempranillo. It is another Jorge Ordonez import. Mr. Ordonez seems to be importing many of the good Spanish reds including Numanthia.

On the nose there is a spicy plum note along with a bit of toasty oak. In the middle there is blackberry, cassis, chocolate and more of the spice which is almost cloves. The finish is toasty oak, blackberry and spice that I thought is probably mint. There is good acidity, tannins and structure (maybe the cab in the blend?) that make me believe that in six months this one will come together as a 90 pointer. At $16 and this rating this Spanish winner is a QPR dream. There is a six pack waiting for me at the wine store. Bravo!

It was also a good food match to some strongly spiced food which is always a plus in my mind. It still needs to come together a bit so I think the drinking window is late 2003-on.

Interesting & very nice. Thank You. Do you know if this Wine is easily obtained?

A Google search did not show any at the major online retailers except Seaboard Liquors in NC. They have it at $11.99 (!). Also Martin Wine in New Orleans at $14.99.

One review of the Altos de Luzon indicated that there were only 1500 cases produced. The quality level is fairly high on this wine.

The same winery, Finca Luzon, also has a widely available merlot that is under $10 and is rated an 87 by Parker. That might be something to check out for a house-type wine. Winelibary and many others have this one.

Will add it to my QPR-search list. Thank You.

WT - Thanks for the notes. One to look out for, it seems

I've had the Merlot about a month ago. I tought it was a pretty good QPR wine.

After receiving the WA today I must mention that I actually rated this one the same as Parker - 89+. He called it a "tremendous value".

Tasted this one again at a Spanish tasting with similar results. If anything the wine has come together more. Great value and goes well with spicier food.