Ripe and meaty, the 2008 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio, mostly Monastrell from vines averaging 60 years in age, sports a dense purple color to go with spiced cassis and black fruits, tobacco, coffee, and loamy earth like aromas on the nose. Despite the expected upfront fruit, this shows solid underlying herb, pepper and mineral characteristics that lend complexity to what is normally a very fruit driven wine. Full bodied and beautifully balanced on the palate, with loads of polished, hedonistic fruit, a silky, light texture, and long finish, this is a gorgeous wine that delivers solid aromatics, as well as a silky, polished palate. I don’t know how this will age (given the blend, one would think very well) but it’s certainly delicious now and given then upfront profile, I don’t see any reason to hold off either.

The 2008 Clio is made up of 70% old vine Monastrell sourced from a vineyard planted in 1944 and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted in 1979. The alcoholic fermentation is in oak followed by malolactic fermentation in new barrels and aging for 24 months in new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color it exhibits an expressive nose of pain grille underbrush brier mineral blueberry and blackberry fruit leading to a plush opulent wine with great density savory flavors and a lengthy finish. In spite of its size it is surprisingly light on its feet and can be approached now. However it will evolve for 3-4 years and offer prime drinking from 2014 to 2023. -Jay Miller

This modern red shows toasty oak with spice light cola and coffee notes balanced by lively blackberry and boysenberry fruit and supported by firm well-integrated tannins. Juicy acidity keeps this fresh through the spicy finish. Drink now through 2018.-T.M.