La Bastide Blanche Bandol 2007 - $23

Over 75% Mourvèdre.

Decanted for 2 hours.

David: Dark, inky red. Nose of leather, roses and blueberry. Full bodied, low acidity with modest cherry fruit and chocolate overtones. Quite tannic. Alcohol is prevalent but not over the top. Finishes a little bitter. Quite nice now but the wine should improve significantly over the next few years. Would probably also benefit from several hours of decanting.
Score: 4.0/5

Vina Honda Monastrell 2007 - $10

David: Medium purple red in color. Aromas of plum, cran-grape, violets. Medium bodied. Soft on the palate with medium to high acidity. Cherry and cranberry fruit. Mild tannins. Fermented in stainless steel so lacks some of that oak character that is common in these Spanish reds (for better or worse). A fairly tasty wine and good value but not especially distinctive.
Score 3.8/5

Castano Hecula Monastrell 2005 - $11

David: Crimson in color. Nose of ripe red cherry, oak, cedar. Medium to full bodied, good acidity. Huge fresh cherry fruit with smooth tannins. Darkens on the long finish with some bitter liquorish notes. Quite delicious and quite the bargain.
Score 4.2/5

Second tasting

David: Dark purling crimson in color. Nose of ripe cherry and red currant. Full bodied, medium acidity. Big cherry and blueberry fruit is very lush and tasty, a little bit sweet. Firm tannins. Fairly long and pleasant finish. Not overly complex but very likable, versatile red.
Score: 4.0/5

Bellum Providencia 2006 - $14

David: From Senorio de Barahonda who made the Nabuko which we liked a lot and the M5 which we just thought was Ok. 100% old vine Monastrell from Yecla Spain, aged in French oak for 8 months.

Color is crimson. Not too dark. Gorgeous, big nose of black cherry, smoke, blueberry, violets and forest floor earthiness. Big fruit on the plate with pepper and good acidity. Soft tannins. Layered with black cherry turning to blueberry and finally jammy berry fruit with some bitter notes along the way. Balances wonderfully the fruity and earthiness. Finish is quite long and pleasant.
Score 4.2/5

Jessica: Strong fruits--dark cherry, plum with dark earthiness. A long finish with ample complexity. A bit of astringency hits the tongue and radiates throughout the mouth; medium tannins, on the softer side. Full-bodied and delicious. An ideal "jessica-whine" with a nice balance of fruits and mouth-puckery yumminess.
Score: 4.4/5

Vinos Sin-Ley M5 Monastrell 2007 - Spain - $14

David: Ruby red in color. Nose indicates dark fruit and some earthy tones such as pencil lead. Raspberries on the palate turns spicy fairly quickly but not overpowering. Finishes long with perhaps a bit of liquorish lingering in the mouth.
Score: 3.9/5

Jessica: Spicy. Not especially distinctive. Puckery, bitter, strong tannins. Lacks complexity and depth, falls flat upon palet.
3.8/5

Senorio de Barahonda Nabuko 2007 - Spanish Red Blend - $15

David:
Nabuko is of equal parts Monastrell and Syrah grapes. This red Spanish wine is a deep ruby red in color. The taste starts with powerful tart fruit, blueberries, plums, and has a long ending, leaving some spice tastes in the mouth. This paired well with pan seared rib eye and grilled vegetables.
Score: 4.4/5

Jessica:

We had this with steak and manchego cheese. It was delightful. A dark red that sat well against the fatty steak. Would go well with dark chocolate. Agree with above.
4/5