Spain — wine

Yecla DO

Murcia region in southeastern Spain; high plateau at 600–800m with extreme continental climate and limestone-clay soils. Monastrell (Mourvèdre) is the dominant variety — achieving extraordinary concentration and natural alcohol in the intense Levante sun. One of the most undervalued Spanish DO regions; quality-to-price ratio exceptional. Also produces small amounts of Verdejo, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Intense Murcia summer; old-vine Monastrell at 800m concentrated beautifully; Solanera from this year exceptional
2021 Good Yecla conditions; Hécula showing typical old-vine concentration; Solanera structured for 10+ year ageing
2020 Outstanding vintage; Castaño old-vine Monastrell receiving highest critical scores; Yecla quality milestone
2019 Classic Monastrell profile; dark fruit and Mediterranean herbs at their most pronounced; excellent value vintage
2018 Warm vintage; Monastrell concentrated but high alcohol managed at elevation; typical regional character maintained
2017 Good conditions; old-vine limestone Monastrell showing depth and typical dusty mineral; Solanera excellent
2016 Benchmark Yecla vintage; Castaño Solanera from this year praised internationally as finest of the decade