The two Monastrell (Mourvedre) cuvees come from vines planted in 1967, and spend three months in French oak prior to bottling. The fully mature 2010 VSL Monastrell exhibits the high-elevation elegance that is often missing from wines from Yecla, along with earthy, meaty porcini mushroom notes intermixed with notions of black currants and loamy soil. This restrained 2010 is best drunk over the next year.
Long time readers of The Wine Advocate are familiar with the selections of Patrick Mata, one of the most driven, passionate and talented young men in the wine world. These are his newest releases, which should be in the marketplace this fall. He continues to expand his business and as the notes that follow indicate, he has now added a burgeoning selection of high quality, distinctive wines from Portugal. His portfolio actually includes three import companies, Ole, Peninsula and Obrigado. For more information on Patrick Mata, see Issue #202 (8-31-12).
Importers: Ole Imports ;56 Harrison St. #405, New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 740-4724; fax (413) 254-8923