2009 El Nido

So on to the flagship 2009 El Nido: a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell raised in French and American oak, limited to just 1,200 bottles. I will give it to you straight: this is not my style and it exists as an anathema to those with a penchant for -traditional- Spanish wine. And yet for its type, I think it is extremely well made. The 15.5% alcohol is cunningly disguised on the nose that delivers copious creme de cassis, blueberry jam and kirsch aromas, while the full-bodied palate is velvet smooth, luscious, decadent and still somehow?balanced. After professionally analyzing this wine, I took one bottle to a friend and the group of four absolutely adored it. I took another and served it blind and she admired it but said it made her feel sick after one glass. So for sure, El Nido is not to everyone's taste and you know what? It probably doesn't care a hoot about that! But the bottom line is that if I were in a hedonistic mood, then this is probably where I would come. Drink 2014-2022. Chris Ringland and the Gil Family collaborated to form Bodegas El Nido in the Murcia district of Jumilla, focusing upon 44 hectares of old Monastrell vines augmented by Cabernet Sauvignon. These are divisive wines. Having written my note privately on the two samples of El Nido I received, it was interesting to gauge the reaction from others, which ranged from -Gorgeous- to -I-m bored,- after three sips (upon which they ordered something else.) I can see it from both sides. Credit to the winemakers, although this is not my personal style of wine, I appreciate the plush texture and the purity of El Nido, which retains fine balance despite the lofty level of alcohol. Importer: Gil Family Estates, Jumilla, Spain, with various importers/distributors.