The 2010 Monastrell comes from 40-year-old vines cropped at 2.5 tons per hectare and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. It has a clean fresh nose of bilberry and blackberry that is well defined and elegant for a 15% alcohol wine. The palate is medium-bodied with an attractive chewy entry. The acidity is pleasing - cutting a swath through the black fruit laced with licorice and damson, emerging towards the finely tuned finish. This is very fine. Drink now-2018. Founded in 2002, the Gil Vera family can trace their viticultural roots back to their great grandfather, Juan Gil, who commenced making wine in 1916. The winery is located just north of Jumilla (town) where Monastrell copes with the arid weather condition. While a couple of the entry-level wines were found to be a little volatile, there is no question that they represent very good value, while the silver label Monastrell is outstanding for the price. Importer: Gil Family Estates, Jumilla, Spain, with various importers/distributors.