Bodegas Luzon Alma de Luzon 2004
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Robert
Parker
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Winemaker Notes
The grapes for Alma De Luzon were carefully selected from 52-year-old ungrafted Monastrell vines from the Montesinos vineyard at 2,100 ft. in elevation and 27-year-old vines of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are from the Castillo de Luzon vineyard at 1,500 ft. in elevation. The vines are planted in very chalky, gravelly soil and yields are less than 1.6 t/acre. Hand harvesting into small boxes, choosing only perfectly healthy, ripe grapes with additional selection made in the winery using a sorting table. The grapes were fermented in stainless-steel. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in new 60% French and 40% American Bordelaise oak barrels and aged for 22 months
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2004 Alma de Luzon (the first release of this wine) is 70% old-vine Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in new French and American oak where it was aged for 22 months. Dark ruby in color, it has an excellent bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, scorched earth, mineral, and blueberry compote. Slightly austere on the palate, it will need 3-5 years in the cellar to round out. It has good balance and a lengthy finish but cellaring is required. 90+
Other Vintages
2005-
Robert
Parker
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
Famous for the robust and earthy, black-fruit dominated, Monastrell (known as Mourvedre in France), Jumilla is an arid and hot region in southeastern Spain. Its vine yields tend to be torturously low but this can create wines of exceptional intensity and flavor. Quality combined with accessible price points give the region great recognition on international markets far and wide.
The reds from Jumilla are heady and spicy, packed with fruit and show aromas of dried licorice and herbs. If you like Syrah, Grenache or Pinot noir, a red wine from Jumilla would be a perfect next choice!