Clio 2011 75cl

It might be that in the books 2010 was a more favorable vintage than 2011, but I see the opposite in the wines of El Nido. The 2011 vintage of the 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon Clio is ultra dark, almost black, with a very smoky nose, plenty of spices, graphite with some lactic hints, plums, blackberries, chocolate — all black. The palate is still dominated by the oak, very ripe fruit with unusual flavors of café au lait, plenty of drying, powerful tannins and a clearly sweet finish (toffee) that tries to compensate the high alcohol and moves stylistically closer to a Port. It's a particular style, very good. 60,000 bottles. No need to introduce Bodegas El Nido, as their labels El Nido and Clio, produced by Australian winemaker Chris Ringland jumped to stardom as soon as they were released. Since 2009 there is a new wine, pure Syrah, called La Viña de Corteo. Seeing the evolution of the 2010 I have serious doubts about the ageability of these wines.

Blackberry, cocoa, licorice and toast notes are rich and expressive in this thick, syrupy red. Well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity lend structure. Exhibits good concentration, in the modern style. Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2021. 5,000 cases made. –TM