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During the late 1800s, Jumilla was one of the few wine growing areas to escape the ravages of phylloxera. As a consequence of the sandy soils of the region, Jumilla has some of the oldest vines in the world, as well as one of the largest concentrations of ungrafted vines. Francisco Olivares owns 65+ hectares of ungrafted vines in the cool, northern section of the appellation, called la Hoya de Santa Ana. This includes an 11 hectare section of ungrafted vines planted in 1872. Average age of the Monastrell (Mourvedre) vines is between 30-40 years. "One of the great values in the marketplace. Produced from ungrafted Mourvedre vines, some planted in 1872 (the average age is 30-40 years), this blend of 92% Mourvedre and 8% Grenache was aged 100% in small barrels, of which 40% were new. Kudos to the importer for ferreting out such a stupendous bargain! It should drink well for 4-5 years, although I suspect it is capable of lasting longer." Robert Parker 
Jumilla Altos
de la Hoya 
Each year a few hectares of Monastrell from the oldest ungrafted section are left to hang on the vines late into the fall. The resulting dessert wine is an ambrosial nectar layered with concentrated fruit flavors and a honeyed richness. Made from yields of 17 ha/hl. 2000 July Arrival "Readers with a sweet tooth should check out the 2000 Monastrell Dolce, an Amarone-styled, heady, rich cuvee offering loads of black fruits, licorice, tar, and earthy undertones. It would be ideal to enjoy with cheese at the end of the meal. It will last for a decade." 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #152 "Bright medium ruby. High-toned, exotic aromas of dates, raisin, spices, tree bark, cinnamon, maple syrup and sun-dried tomato. Extremely sweet, thick and gamey, with a flavor of liquid raisin and an incipient figgy quality. A large-scaled, flamboyant wine from 100% Monastrell. Tannins are very fine." 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 7-8/03 |
