Bodegas Ponce "Depaula" Manchuela Monastrell 2022

Wine Advocate : 93 Points

(1/18/2024) The one Monastrell produced here is the 2022 Depaula, which he was able to bottle at 12.3% alcohol, a rarity for the grape, while keeping richness and mouthfeel. It has a fresh Mediterranean nose of aromatic herbs and fine, elegant fruit, with a sensation of more ripeness than what the alcohol level points at. In fact, the problem here is that Monastrell doesn't ripen if you don't work well in the vineyard, pruning short to control yields, and they have been improving the viticulture since they bought the vineyard. This is fresher and more floral Monastrell, with a balsamic twist and a juicy palate with deep flavors, with backbone and support. It fermented with full clusters and indigenous yeasts in 4,500-liter oak vats, where it matured for seven months. This is now certified organic. Drink Date: 2023 - 2028.