Comments on: Aging an under $10 wine – Castano, Hecula, monastrell, 2002

By: hanspetermeyer

hanspetermeyer — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:21:50 +0000

Just opened 1 of a half dozen of 2004 that I bought several years ago. Letting it sit. Looking forward to lunch!

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:19:06 +0000

I just picked up a bottle of the 2005 last weekend (March 2011). I wholeheartedly agree with the assessment that this is better aged. Wow. At first uncorking, it had quite a complex, almost confusing palate. A lot of spice coming out. We let this one decant for a while. It became more civilized and well rounded at 15, then 30, then 45 minutes. It was actually perfect at 1 hour. I know, that’s a long time, but it was worth it. The true character came out. It is spicy, a little earthy, but well rounded without galloping all over you tongue like a herd of wild buffalo.

I don’t know how much longer this wine will last in terms of aging. We just bought a case ($113 a case) because we just couldn’t pass this up. A great value, even at first opening and drinking, but if you’re patient you’ll be well rewarded.

By: Craig Bender

Craig Bender — Sun, 17 May 2009 18:16:18 +0000

I bought six bottles of 2005 Hecula Monastrell a few years ago and was totally unimpressed after the first 2 bottles I had – and so I let the rest sit. Now in 2009 the wine is really blossoming. As the Dr. says, maybe Mourvedre/Monastrell needs few years under its belt. Now I need to go find some more.

By: Jack

Jack — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:51:09 +0000

I’ve had the 2003 ($9) and thought it was a great value. (Sorry, too long ago to remember its aging ability.)

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:06:58 +0000

Hey there, I was just there last month. Nice winery and great people. I also finished my last 2002when back in the states las January, I agree great wine, that aged nicely. The 2004′s though are really going to impress and will I think be long aged wines…if one can keep there hands off of them!

By: Dr. Vino

Dr. Vino — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 16:14:04 +0000

Thanks, Marcus!

By: Marcus

Marcus — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:16:47 +0000

Great WBW entry. I wish all of them could be this informative and insightful when the round-up gets posted. But then that’s why you’re called Dr. Vino.

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:26:21 +0000

Excellent choice, as are all of Castano’s wines (I like the plain old Monastrell, personally, but I think we have discussed that in the past). Mine was a weak Torres choice…

By: Dr. Vino

Dr. Vino — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:28:20 +0000

Excellent! Thanks for pointing it out, Terry!

By: Terry Hughes

Terry Hughes — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:35:44 +0000

Apropos of absolutely nothing in this post, I was very impressed by the fact that Jancis Robinson mentioned you (and linked to your site) by your real name and your nom de plume.

Congrats!