2021 Familia Bastida Espanol Roble Monastrell, Jumilla Genio

Very modern and intense with captivating black pepper, wild herb and violet aromas. Powerful and energetic with some chalky tannins and searing fresh acidity. Really really classy. Offers a lot within the price band.

96 points Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 

From the sun baked plateaus of Jumilla in south eastern Spain, Familia Bastida Español Roble Monastrell delivers a seriously joyful take on this rugged Mediterranean variety. The Bastida family has worked vineyards here for generations, drawing on old bush vines planted in poor limestone and sandy soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavour. Warm days and cool nights help Monastrell achieve plush ripeness while retaining just enough freshness to keep the wine lively and dangerously drinkable. For the price, this is the kind of bottle that makes seasoned buyers grin and newcomers wonder how it can possibly be this good.

A deep ruby purple bursts from the glass with youthful swagger. Aromas tumble out with blackberry jam, ripe plum and dark cherry layered with liquorice, sweet spice and a gentle smoky oak note from short ageing in barrel. There is an immediate sense of fun and generosity that feels completely unpretentious.

The palate is juicy, supple and full of personality, delivering waves of dark berry fruit framed by soft tannins and easy flowing structure. Notes of cocoa, clove and a touch of savoury earth build through the mid palate before a smooth, warming finish that invites another pour. Best enjoyed over the next three to five years while its exuberant fruit remains front and centre. Amazing value barely begins to cover it. This genuinely feels like one of those blink and you miss it bargains of the year.

Nduja pizza straight from a wood fired oven, sticky pork ribs devoured with fingers, or cumin spiced lamb skewers disappearing as quickly as they arrive. A spin of Gipsy Kings Mosaique or something loose and celebratory from Manu Chao, the bottle emptying faster than anyone planned while someone quietly mutters they should have bought a case.