The inky purple 2003 El Nido, which comes from 26-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines (70%) and 61-year-old Mourvedre (30%), was aged 26 months in new French and American oak barrels. It exhibits leathery, creme de cassis, and pain grille characteristics, additional tannin and body, and a formidable palate. A wine of extraordinary extract and richness, it will be a target for old timers and reactionaries who will feel it is too internationally styled, but it is an eye-opening wine from an area better known for large cooperatives and mediocre quality. It should evolve for 15 or more years. Well-known Australian winemaker, Chris Ringland, oversees the winemaking at this estate, fashioning intriguing reds with great depth as well as richness. These wines have broken all the parameters previously established by the backwater appellation of Jumilla.

Hard to resist the ripe, sweet flavors of blueberry, blackberry, dark chocolate and even maple syrup in this plush, rich red. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated, with just enough acidity to bring you back for another sip. Cabernet Sauvignon and Monastrell (Mourvèdre). Drink now through 2012. 283 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add