2023 Hijos de Juan Gil - Monastrell Jumilla (750ml)

Bodegas Hijos de Juan Gil traces its roots to the early twentieth century, when the Gil family first began making wine in Jumilla, in Spain's arid Murcia region. The estate saw a resurgence in the early 2000s when Miguel Gil, great-grandson of the founder, built a modern winery on the slopes of the Peñarrubia mountain, dedicating the family's efforts to showcasing Monastrell, the region's signature grape, at its highest potential.

This bottling draws on old, unirrigated bush vines, many over forty years old, grown organically in Jumilla's poor, chalky, limestone-flecked soils. The naturally low yields concentrate flavor in the thick-skinned Monastrell grapes, which thrive in the region's punishing heat. After hand harvest, the fruit undergoes whole-cluster maceration for roughly three weeks before aging in a mix of new and once-used French oak barrels for about a year, a slightly lighter touch of wood than in earlier vintages.

The resulting wine is deep and richly colored, with aromas of blackberry, plum, and cassis layered with cocoa, baking spice, and a touch of balsamic. On the palate it is juicy and full-bodied, with silky tannins and bright acidity carrying the black fruit through a long finish. It suits grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses well.