Infierno (Spain) Monastrell/Merlot 1999
This is fantastic stuff! From Yecla in the southeast of Spain it is made from a blend of 70% Monastrell (Mourvedre), and 30% Merlot. The wine is partially aged in small French oak barrels. Now, here’s an interesting thing: the small print on the back label says the wine is made by Bodegas Castano. I raved about a wine called ‘Hecula’ from Bodegas Castano a few months ago, which Robert Parker also gave 92 points. It was selling elsewhere at 6.99 and was made to exactly the same recipe as this wine. My guess is that the two wines are one and the same. The colour is a vibrant cherry red, and the nose is brimming with sweet, spicy berry fruit, with a little undertow of creamy vanilla, prune and crunchy pepper. On the palate there’s a wonderful bitter dark chocolate edge to juicy blue/black fruit that is succulent and savoury with lip-smacking tannins and a warm, coffee-bean finish. Very highly recommended. 4.99 Safeway
