2021 Casa Castillo Las Gravas
![98 Points 98 Points](https://www.caros.co.nz/media/option_image/points-icons-98.png)
Grape
Mainly Monastrell with a bit of Garnacha
Its Origins
Considered by many to be the finest estate in Jumilla, Bodegas Casa Castillo is an unexpected discovery and a wonderful one. It is located on the plateau of this underrated wine region. José Maria Vicente is a third-generation owner and operator of Casa Castillo, his grandfather purchased the property in 1941. The original cellar and vineyard was built by Frenchmen fleeing the phylloxera plague in 1870. Jose María and his father replanted the whole property with native varietals in 1985 with the first vintage in 1991. They now have a 174-hectare vineyard which enjoys a high altitude of 400-800m, and the cooling influence of the Mediterranean. Lovers of Bandol wines should take note of Casa Castillo; the grape varieties they use are led by Monastrell (Mourvèdre). These are old bush vines that yield very small amounts of highly concentrated juice. Fermentations are in stainless steel tanks and concrete vats. Pigeage is done by foot, and whole clusters are increasingly used. Aging follows in concrete, foudre, and 500L French oak demi-muids. The wines are generally bottled unfiltered to allow them to be as expressive as possible, and they are an absolute bargain for the quality produced. This is an incredibly elegant, precise interpretation of Monastrell. Concentrating on freshness, acidity, length and structure (over alcohol, oak and dry extract). Their top wine Pie Franco (named after the un-grafted vines) is building a reputation as one of the greatest reds in Spain.
What The Critics Say
98/100 RobertParker.com, Luis Gutierrez
"The 2021 Las Gravas contains grapes from a vineyard planted in 2006 (that already contributed to the 2020), and it has given the wine a fine-boned profile, with more freshness and varietal Monastrell notes, a rustic-elegant feeling. It keeps the incredible quality level of the 2020, with Jumilla typicity; it's Mediterranean, powerful and energetic, with balanced 15% alcohol and a chalky, rocky, stony sensation in the finish. This always contains some 8% to 12% Garnacha. Production has grown to 37,905 (numbered) bottles. It was bottled in June 2023, as they did a longer élevage. This matured 100% in oak foudre; they abandoned the 500-liter barrels for this wine and for Pie Franco." Drink 2024 - 2034
Variety | Mourvedre |
---|---|
Region | Jumilla |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750ml |
Maturity | 2024 - 2034 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
-
2020 Elephant Hill Hieronymus Cabernet Merlot$112.00 in mixed 6+ or $125.00 per bottle
-
2021 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Leognan$140.00 in mixed 6+ or $160.00 per bottle