Bodegas Alto Moncayo
Campo de Borja Garnacha
Campo de Borja, Aragón, Spain
Moncayo is Alto Moncayo's pride and joy; both dark and bold, pronounced and lasting, this is 100% old vine Garnacha planted to the southwesterly slopes of Moncayo mountain in the Campo de Borja (KAHM-po day BOAR-ha) appellation of Aragon in north central Spain. Here the iron rich red clay is poor in organic matter but mixes with some calcareous limestone which when coupled with low rainfall yields few clusters of extremely concentrated Garnacha (the native Spanish variety known in France and the Rhone in particular as Grenache). Deep, rich cherries and grilled plums meld with cola and root spices, floral high notes and warm toasty notes akin to dark cocoa and dark roasted coffee. Few wines bear this much concentration nor warrant aging in both French and American oak but 30 to 90 year old Garnacha has guts and plenty of stuffing to manage and so all these scents and flavors combine to great effect all throughout and long onto the finish. Another total knockout from Alto Moncayo. This could very well become my go to red for big juicy steaks off the grill.
Moncayo is Alto Moncayo's pride and joy; both dark and bold, pronounced and lasting, this is 100% old vine Garnacha planted to the southwesterly slopes of Moncayo mountain in the Campo de Borja (KAHM-po day BOAR-ha) appellation of Aragon in north central Spain. Here the iron rich red clay is poor in organic matter but mixes with some calcareous limestone which when coupled with low rainfall yields few clusters of extremely concentrated Garnacha (the native Spanish variety known in France and the Rhone in particular as Grenache). Deep, rich cherries and grilled plums meld with cola and root spices, floral high notes and warm toasty notes akin to dark cocoa and dark roasted coffee. Few wines bear this much concentration nor warrant aging in both French and American oak but 30 to 90 year old Garnacha has guts and plenty of stuffing to manage and so all these scents and flavors combine to great effect all throughout and long onto the finish. Another total knockout from Alto Moncayo. This could very well become my go to red for big juicy steaks off the grill.
8 people found it helpfulNov 11th, 2013
100 point Bob wine, 90 at best for me but what can you do, supposedly this is fermented to about 18-19% then cone spun to suck out the moonshine. SO easy to drink, definitely a guilty pleasure wine to anyone that like the hedonistic side of Grenache, tons of chocolate and raspberry.
100 point Bob wine, 90 at best for me but what can you do, supposedly this is fermented to about 18-19% then cone spun to suck out the moonshine. SO easy to drink, definitely a guilty pleasure wine to anyone that like the hedonistic side of Grenache, tons of chocolate and raspberry.
Jun 14th, 2015
This wine is fantastic. Fleshy red fruit with juicy berries. I love Spain!
This wine is fantastic. Fleshy red fruit with juicy berries. I love Spain!
Jan 27th, 2015
2009 is showing great right now! Red berry and spice on the nose. Fleshy red fruit one the palate with a touch of vanillin on the finish.
2009 is showing great right now! Red berry and spice on the nose. Fleshy red fruit one the palate with a touch of vanillin on the finish.
Jan 26th, 2015Huge and beautiful Spanish garnacha
Huge and beautiful Spanish garnacha
Oct 24th, 2014
Showed well after 8 hours in the decanter.
Showed well after 8 hours in the decanter.
Dec 29th, 2013
About as good as Grenache gets. Not many others that are better. Stewed black fruits, pencil lead, and smoky minerals. Evolves with aromas of steamed veggies and chocolate. The dusty tannins and pervasive acidity can potentially take this wine to 2020 and beyond.
About as good as Grenache gets. Not many others that are better. Stewed black fruits, pencil lead, and smoky minerals. Evolves with aromas of steamed veggies and chocolate. The dusty tannins and pervasive acidity can potentially take this wine to 2020 and beyond.
Dec 27th, 2013Ripe but balanced, really highly rated Parker but I would say its mid 90s at best.
Ripe but balanced, really highly rated Parker but I would say its mid 90s at best.
Dec 23rd, 2013