Here’s the review by Luis Gutierrez of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “ The Monastrell 2019 Depaula is now produced with 100% grapes from one single vineyard they own in Manchuela, as in the past it was sourced from different places, initially Jumilla. It was not produced in 2018, as they searched for an appropriate vineyard. They found a four-hectare plot planted 30 years ago in the zone of Mahora in Albacete where there is more influence from Jumilla/Almansa than in Cuenca where Bobal reigns. So, this 2019 is an estate wine. They fermented the full clusters with indigenous yeasts in 4,500-liter oak casks and matured the wine in a 15,000-liter oak vat for seven months. It has a different fruit profile from the majority of Bobal reds, a little less expressive and more serious. It’s medium-bodied and has bright acidity and very fine tannins. Monastrell ripens late, and it rained before they could harvest the grapes, so perhaps the wine is a little lighter but with the Monastrell character, some tomato vine and bright fruit. 20,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2020.” Luis’ rating: 93 Points. So, given the praise, what should this wine sell for? 19.99? $29.99? How about $9.99 and a drink-by date of 2026.
