2012 Monasterio de Corias “Seis Octavos” Tinto Joven, Cangas, Spain.
One of my favorite wines, I have been drinking this wine since the 2008 vintage and every year I find more interesting details, and while the 2012 might not be as exceptional as the 2011 or 2010 wines, it is a lovely and intriguing effort. Made from a cepage cuvee of red grapes grown within the Monastery the main varietals include Albarin Negro and Mencia, though in most vintages it is mostly Albarin Negro which is native to the Asturias region of northwest Spain, and is also known sometimes as Verdejo Negro, is is a dark skinned grape that has medium weight, good acidity and can sometimes remind of Syrah with floral, earth and meaty tones along with blue and black fruit character. The Monasterio de Corias 2012 Tinto Joven Seis Octavos is slightly reduced and funky on the nose and needs a minute or two in the glass to come to life, of course this was a early sample bottle and I’m sure it was a bit of bottle shock and travel bruising, so maybe by the time it finds the racks it will have cleared up and perked up, as it did in the last few vintages, but once alive in the glass this red shows personality and charm, it is certainly a bit lighter and juicier than the last two years, but it is delightful just the same with black cherry, plum, blueberry and currant fruits, wild herbs, mint and cured meat along with loamy earth, spice and mineral notes. A touch of tannin, mild mushroom and cranberry come into play mid palate, but the fruit takes charge on the finish though zesty acidity gives a sense of crispness and lift too. Not quite all together yet, but certainly unique and enjoyable, I would stock up on 2011 while you can, and give the 2012 a look see in the Spring of 2014, I think it should make for a nice drinker by then.
($18 Est.) 90-91 Points, grapelive
