Bodegas Castaño Hécula 2005 Monastrel

August 22, 2008 | by Jason Bordley | Reds, Tasting Notes

The Bodegas Castaño Hécula 2005 Monastrel from the Yecla region of Spain is value wine that should be added to anyones cellar. I will admit I wasn’t too impressed with this at first. This was mainly because I was expecting a little more from it after reading that Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) rated it 90 points. However, I would later change my mind.

The Hécula was deep purple in color. After uncorking, I got aromas of cherries, a little hint peppers, and some mineral components. On the palate were red fruits, but the alcohol was a bit over the top to really get the other flavors. After letting it sit for about 45 minutes, it opened up and revealed more intense red fruit characteristics (plums, cherries, gooseberries), along with minerals and some spices. The alcohol leveled off and the wine became much more balanced and pleasant. The tannins smoothed out giving a silky mouth feel. It left me with a long, fruity finish.

Overall, I don’t think I agree with the 90 points Robert gave it, but this is still a great versatile value wine to have on hand, as it can see this being paired with a lot of different meals.

[$8.99 / WA 90pts.]