The 2008 Este is composed of 50% Monastrell, 25% Tempranillo, with the balance Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot aged for 6 months in French and American oak. Purple-colored, it reveals a lightly roasted bouquet of black cherry and blueberry, underbrush, spice box, and violets. Supple, sweetly-fruited, and forward, this tasty, friendly effort has no hard edges. Drink it over the next 3 years. Bodegas Alto Almanzora is located in eastern Andalucia at 600-900 meters of altitude on slate and limestone soils. Winemaking is overseen by Rafael Palacios. 89 Points, Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate # 188, Apr 2010
The arrival of a container at B-21 is kind of like Christmas for us wine geeks. We gather to take pictures, look at the new bottles, and take turns tasting them all. Our Christmas arrived early in November with Eric Solomon’s name on it. It is hands down the best container we’ve put together! The real find was the 2008 Este (sporting a new label). This was “bangin” as Rhett would say (and did). Whole lotta wine for the price. The nose and palate knocked me out with tons of dark fruits, ripe, full and delicious. As for the creature on the label (I’ve always wondered), it is a pregnant mare dating back to the Paleolithic age, and a symbol of the fertility of their land. When someone asks, what wine should I get? Instead of “this” I’ll answer in Spanish and say “Este” 90 Points, Summer Martin, B-21 Staff Selection, December 2010 | 
