3 | Wine | Mourvedre, 91 to 95

"The opaque purple-colored 2010 Tarima Hill exhibits notes of chocolate fudge, pen ink, graphite, blueberries and blackberries. This full-bodied, 100% Monastrell should drink well for a decade or more. These amazing efforts taste more like they should cost $30 to $50 as opposed to the mid-teens." -Robert Parker

"Another stunning value from Yecla, the 2011 Vinos Sin Ley Monastrell (100% Mourvedre from organic vineyards) possesses a dense purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, and chalky, earthy soil, and a heady, rich, full-bodied finish. It combines elegance with richness despite the fact that this area is known more for the rusticity of its wines than their finesse." -Robert Parker

"The 2011 Barahonda Sin-Madera (100% Monastrell aged in stainless steel) offers abundant blueberry, black raspberry and cherry fruit notes intermixed with hints of crushed rocks, tobacco leaf, pepper and meat. This intense, medium to full-bodied, amazing wine is bursting with fruit. It, too, should drink well for 2-3 years, perhaps longer given Monastrell’s oxidative, resistant personality."

"Opaque violet color. Enticing aromas of cherry-cola, black raspberry, potpourri and Asian spices. Very ripe but fresh and energetic, with excellent clarity to its sweet dark berry and spice flavors. Juicy, penetrating and long on the finish, with the spice and floral notes echoing."