The 2016 Juan Gil (blue label) is the wine formerly known as 18 Months, which is the amount of time it matured in barrel, and it has been identified for the past few years by the color of its label. It's a blend of 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and the Monastrell is from older vines than the other varieties. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in new barrels for 18 months. This is the one wine from the portfolio where they keep 100% oak and use French grapes, which is not the Juan Gil style—this has more of an international profile. This is very spicy and smoky, with plenty of toasty and roasted aromas. The palate reveals abundant tannins and oak-related flavors, a faint bitterness and a dry finish. This is for those who enjoy this profile of wine, not really my style. But within that profile, it's quite good. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2018.

Licorice and espresso notes frame black cherry and currant flavors in this thick, polished red. The muscular tannins are well-integrated, and there's just enough acidity to keep this lively. Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2028. 2,500 cases made, 1,250 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add