It might be that in the books 2010 was a more favorable vintage than 2011, but I see the opposite in the wines of El Nido. The 2011 vintage of the 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon Clio is ultra dark, almost black, with a very smoky nose, plenty of spices, graphite with some lactic hints, plums, blackberries, chocolate — all black. The palate is still dominated by the oak, very ripe fruit with unusual flavors of café au lait, plenty of drying, powerful tannins and a clearly sweet finish (toffee) that tries to compensate the high alcohol and moves stylistically closer to a Port. It's a particular style, very good. 60,000 bottles.

Blackberry, cocoa, licorice and toast notes are rich and expressive in this thick, syrupy red. Well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity lend structure. Exhibits good concentration, in the modern style. Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2021. 5,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add