The 2018 Casa Castillo Pie Franco Monastrell is a remarkable wine that showcases the exceptional quality of Monastrell from an ungrafted vineyard. Hailing from the Jumilla region in Spain, this red wine exemplifies the power and complexity that this varietal can achieve.
In the glass, the wine displays a deep, dark red color that hints at its intensity. The nose, however, is surprisingly shy and closed at first. It takes patience and aeration for the aromas to fully reveal themselves. Once opened up, the wine presents a harmonious bouquet of black olives, wild thyme, and black fruits, enticing the senses with its Mediterranean character.
On the palate, the 2018 Casa Castillo Pie Franco Monastrell truly shines. It showcases depth, complexity, and balance, demonstrating the winemaker's meticulous attention to detail. The fine tannins have a chalky/mineral texture that adds a layer of sophistication to the wine. With a moderate maceration and fermentation with indigenous yeasts, this wine achieves a superb length and persistence that lingers on the palate.
The 2018 vintage posed some challenges for the winemaking process, but Casa Castillo managed to overcome them and produce a wine of exceptional quality. The old, south-facing vines provided good conditions to control the power and natural concentration of the grapes. The wine was matured in 500-liter oak barrels for 16 months, allowing it to develop additional complexity and expression.
Both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Decanter have recognized the excellence of this wine. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 98, praising its fine, elegant, and powerful characteristics. Decanter also bestowed a score of 97, highlighting the winemaker's ability to express the very best of Monastrell without the need for blending partners.
The 2018 Casa Castillo Pie Franco Monastrell is a wine that demands attention and patience. While approachable now, it will undoubtedly benefit from further aging to fully reveal its potential. Whether enjoyed now or in the years to come, this wine is a true testament to the mastery of Casa Castillo and the unique terroir of Jumilla.