2006 Bodegas Agapito Rico Carchelo

Jumilla's benchmark wine. Having pioneered a fresher and more complex style, Carchelo has become increasingly concentrated in recent vintages. A new label for 2006 marks the most successful vintage yet for this revolutionary and iconic Jumilla red wine. Almost exclusively from old-vine Monastrell with just a dab of organic Syrah: Dark, ripe density is matched by a fresh, long and spicy finish.

"Ruby-red. Jammy blueberry and boysenberry aromas are complicated by cinnamon and exotic apricot and maple qualities. Silky, impressively sweet dark berry flavors display good depth and thrust. Finishes seamless and sweet, with very good length. Remarkably easy to drink."

By Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 07