The 2009 Clio is a blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French and American oak for 24 months. While the bouquet is ineluctably very oaky, there is clearly sufficient fruit to support it, so it retains freshness and clarity with copious black fruit and a hint of licorice. The palate is soft and plush in the mouth, caressing and velvety with a rounded, sensual, black cherry and sloe-tinged finish that you cannot help but fall for. It certainly disguises its 15.5% alcohol well. While it does not express its terroir, that is not the intention of Clio, and it is a delicious Jumilla red. Drink now-2017+. Chris Ringland and the Gil Family collaborated to form Bodegas El Nido in the Murcia district of Jumilla, focusing upon 44 hectares of old Monastrell vines augmented by Cabernet Sauvignon. These are divisive wines. Having written my note privately on the two samples of El Nido I received, it was interesting to gauge the reaction from others, which ranged from -Gorgeous- to -I-m bored,- after three sips (upon which they ordered something else.) I can see it from both sides. Credit to the winemakers, although this is not my personal style of wine, I appreciate the plush texture and the purity of El Nido, which retains fine balance despite the lofty level of alcohol. Importer: Gil Family Estates, Jumilla, Spain, with various importers/distributors.

Expressive flavors of blackberry, balsamic, espresso and tar mingle in this dark red. Features good density, but remains supple on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity. Drink now through 2018. 1,000 cases made, 400 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add