2003 Casa de la Ermita

The D.O. Jumilla, south east of Madrid, is not Spain's best known winemaking region, but it (and the adjacent D.O. Yecla) can be a source of great values, like tonight's Casa de la Ermita - a blend of Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Cabernet and Petit Verdot.

An attractive cherry red in colour, the 2003 Casa de la Ermita Crianza (Oaked) leaps forth with oak and black cherries on the nose, with supporting scents of rose, licorice, and smoke. Dry, firm tannins, with spring cherries and grenadine on the palate, good acidity and a medium body. Great now, but may keep a few more years in the cellar. A good match for a pork stir fry, but probably a better pair with something meatier off the grill. I have had other vintages, and this seems to be a pretty consistently good wine.

13.5% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$19