Now, I have been sleeping on Mourvedre for years now; it's also known as Matara and Monastrell.  It was only when I was at the Wines of Spain event last month that I got the chance to taste this grape by itself and I was quite floored.  So, while I stopped into Canal's I made a point to peruse the Spanish section and pick up something with it as a major component.

While this wine is not all Monastrell (40%, with the other being 30% Tempranillo, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabarnet Sauvignon) this wine is utterly and completely amazing.  I actually feel stupid because I remember seeing the label and foil cap for at least three years!

As soon as this wine touches your mouth, you immediately get the depth and richness of the soil that the grapes call home, this is from a serious dark chocolate aspect that overlays something between a mixture of cassis and curant.  While I had this wine with some New York Strip and mushrooms that I warmed up, it would be better paired with turkey, pheasant, duck, goose, boar, sausage, venison or anything grilled.  It could also go with a nice dark fish like grouper or even settle down with some nice grilled octopus.

Color is irrelevamt as the finish stays with you upwards of a minute or longer.  This wine is not too heavy, but could easily become a romantic go to.