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 - The Wine Advocate (April 2010) | 
