We visited our favorite Atlanta wine bar tonight and I tried a flight of some not-so-infamous varietals: Monastrell, Carmenere and Petite Syrah. Interestingly enough, each wine retails anywhere from $12-16.
2005 Juan Gil Monastrell ($16) – Monastrell is evidently the Spanish version of Mourvedre. The color was inky and dark and had some damp sock and stemmy nose. The wine was served a little too cold, so it did open up a little more after 10-15 minutes and I wonder what decanting might have done to also help. I got some bitter chocolate and dr pepper flavors and the finish was kind of weak.
2007 Terra Andina Carmenere ($12) – This wine had some immediate oak on the nose that was nice and not over powering. Got some blackberries, tartness and spice to round out the taste and even mouthfeel. My favorite of the three.
2005 Castle Rock Petite Syrah ($14) – Had the fruitiest nose of the three. Got some red berry aromas and then some cassis on the taste and medium to big Syrah-like tannins and spice to finish.
All three did well on their own and each had some unique flavors. As I mentioned the Carmenere was my favorite, which surpised me as I am a big Syrah and Petite Syrah lover. Paired with this flight was a nice Baked Brie with mushrooms that had been marinated in Port. Needless to say, the dish helped bring out the best of each wine, but accentuating the Carmenere even more. A nice way to end the week.
