Fondillon

1948
Spain
Alicante

100% Monastrell a.k.a. Mourvédre. A dry wine made from fruit harvested at the end of October and beginning of November, allowing the grapes to raisin on the vine and produce an Amarone-like wine that is then aged solera style for many decades before it is released. 

94 points
"...quite dry on the palate, with sixteen percent natural alcohol and offers up a combination of raisin and other dried fruit flavors, combined with nutty tones quite reminiscent of Sherry, due to the wine’s long, oxidative elevage. The 1948 Fondillon is the current release of this singularly beautiful wine, and it delivers a stellar bouquet of nuts, raisins, orange zest, a touch of olive, salty soil tones, citrus peel and dried cherries. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and very suave, with plenty of Sherry-like nuttiness, beautiful balance and outstanding length and grip on the focused and remarkably cool finish. This would be a great wine to serve with the cheese after the meal. Given its long exposure to oxygen prior to bottling, the wine will hold beautifully for months after it is opened, and should prove to have a long cellaring life as well. Lovely wine. 2009-2040."
John Gilman,
View From the Cellar
93 points
"...Dark amber/brown in color, it has aromas reminiscent of an Amontillado sherry including almonds, ginger, dates, and assorted dried dark fruits. It finishes sherry-like but without the alcohol and the bite. There is nothing else quite like this uniquely styled dry wine. "
Jay Miller,
Wine Advocate
February 2008
93 points
"Explosively aromatic nose shows an intriguing bouquet of cherry, strawberry preserves, maple, floral honey and smoked meat. Very dry in style, with powerful red berry flavors, a sappy texture, and vaguely oxidized, nutty qualities. Just when you think it's a sherry style, the exuberant red fruit snaps back hard. The impressively persistent finish strongly emphasizes strawberry and raspberry. Intriguing, utterly singular wine; it ought to be fun to pair this with food. I say blue cheese."
Josh Raynolds,
Vinous Media
July 2007

SKU/Code: 
DB7555-48
Product Line: 
National Portfolio
Wine
Dessert
Varietal: 
Monastrell
Farming Type: 
Sustainable