Goru 38 Barrels 2021

Ego Bodegas farms in the D.O. Jumilla, the hot, high inland corner of Murcia where ungrafted Monastrell vines averaging 50 years old thrive on poor limestone soils. Jumilla's sandy, lime-rich ground escaped the phylloxera louse, which is why these old vines remain on their own roots, and the deep, low-yielding root systems draw enough water from the arid plateau to ripen Monastrell fully. Hot days and cool nights at altitude give the wide diurnal swing that keeps acidity and aromatic detail intact despite the ripeness. The blend adds Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah for colour, structure and pepper. After fermentation the wine ages 12 months in a combination of French and American oak, where measured oxygen exchange softens the muscular Monastrell tannin while the American barrels add vanilla and coconut and the French a tighter spice. The colour is deep and opaque. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry over black pepper, liquorice, smoke and sweet oak. The palate is full and warming, with dense ripe tannin, generous fruit and a long spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees with grilled lamb or spiced meat.