Casa Castillo is, quite simply, one of the top estates in Spain. Actually, I would like to revise that… Casa Castillo is, without a doubt, one of the finest estates in all of Europe. It starts with their soil, which is limestone, the “secret sauce” for the world’s greatest wines. But with 430 acres of vines, the estate’s soil is not uniform – there are many different levels of decomposition and combinations with other soil mediums. Combined with the microclimates that result from the undulating hills and towering cliffs, along with exposures at all points of the compass, Casa Castillo enjoys a mind-boggling array of diversity. And owner José Maria Vicente is taking advantage, as he continuously replants and regrafts vines to grape varieties best suited for that particular plot and as he explores and plants new vineyards in his sprawling estate.

The resulting wines are stunning. From the Chateauneuf du Pape-like El Molar to the Bandol doppelganger Las Gravas, the wines offer something for everyone. And at a fraction of what the “compare-to” wines sell for.

Here’s the deal… while I am always needing to make profit, sometimes I choose to go a little lower than normal. Maybe I think I bought too much (ok, I did), or maybe I just really want everyone to try the wine (most definitely), but in either case, you win!

Each wine has its own sale price… but if you grab a six pack, two of each, I will knock an additional 14% off the already Best US Prices!

That makes it a smooth $21.99 per bottle - $131.94 for the six pack. To sample world-class wines that would sell for at least twice as much if they were from the South of France. Don’t disappoint me customers… take advantage! Heck, I'll make it even sweeter... just mix  six however you like and receive the corresponding six-pack price per bottle.

Casa Castillo Las Gravas 2017

Sale on its Own $29.99 – Beats Best US Price Online

As Part of Six Pack $25.99

95 pts Wine Advocate / 94 pts Penin Guide

The grapes for this wine come from the Las Gravas vineyard – translation: “gravels” – named for the stony soil. Stony? I’d say… check out the picture! No wonder the phylloxera louse can’t survive here! The stones run to a depth of 30 centimeters before there is even a hint of dirt!

80% Monastrell (aka Mourvedre), 20% Garnacha (Grenache). This is stunning stuff. Reminiscent of a top-notch Bandol, this is an incredible steal. Don’t let the upfront seduction fool you, this baby has complexity and intensity that sneaks up on the massive finish. And as delicious as it is right now, I am intrigued by its potential to age. Looking for a food pairing? Think big – dry aged beef, heritage pork chops, etc. Pour in a decanter while you’re making dinner…

“The 2017 Las Gravas is surprisingly floral and ethereal, perfumed and elegant. Syrah has disappeared from the blend of this wine—it now has 20% Garnacha to complement the Monastrell—and they think this is going to be the blend that stays in this wine, which has seen more changes in its life than the rest of the portfolio. This is for sure the most elegant vintage for this bottling; the wine matured in 500-liter barrels and then spent four months in 5,000-liter vats after the blend was done. There are no aromas of oak whatsoever, and the wine is surprisingly fresh, as if the Garnacha helps to contain the power of Monastrell on the gravel soils, adding texture and perfume. This is beautiful.”

Casa Castillo El Molar 2019

Sale on its Own $24.99 – Beats Best US Price Online by $5!!!

As Part of Six Pack $20.99

94 pts Wine Advocate for past two vintages / 93 pts Penin Guide

100% Garnacha (Grenache) from the parched, barren region of Jumilla, in southeastern Spain. While Garnacha has been grown in Jumilla for centuries it has never been taken quite as seriously as Monastrell and most of it has been blended with other varieties. This seems all the more remarkable considering how closely the terroir of Jumilla resembles that of the Southern Rhone – hot, dry summers and a limestone subsoil topped with gravel. 

A few years back owner José Maria Vicente planted Garnacha in some of his most gravelly soils and highest elevation – over 2,400 feet. The result is stunning! An explosion of aromas starts this party; floral notes of cherry blossoms along with strawberries and raspberries lead into a round mouthful of fruit, darker than the nose, but still fresh and vibrant. Cracked pepper adds a fine spiciness to the smooth finish.

“This is the first year the wine is produced with 100% full clusters, in a vintage when they had a bit of everything, higher ripeness but also freshness and balanced. The wine is rich and aromatic, a little intoxicating, with aromas of dry flowers and a touch of aromatic herbs. The palate shows ultra fine tannins and very good balance. Brilliant ruby-red. Suave, smoke-inflected cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented by touches of violet and cracked pepper. The palate shows very good focus, with a spicy nuance lifting the gently sweet, energetic black raspberry, cherry-cola and lavender pastille flavors. Supple, well-knit tannins give firmness to the clinging, floral finish of this sappy, incisive and seamless wine.” WA on the 2017

Casa Castillo Vino de Finca 2018

Sale on its Own $21.99

As Part of Six Pack $18.99

93 pts Wine Advocate / 93 pts Penin Guide

Proprietor Jose Maria Vicente is not simply satisfied to produce the best Monastrell. He is driven to explore the various aspects of terroir found throughout his property. With this wine, only the fourth vintage, he wants to express the character of his entire estate – hence Vino de Finca – “Farm Wine”… or more accurately “Wine of the Estate.” He has selected Monastrell from four plots deemed exceptional and fermented at low temperatures to preserve acidity and aromatic fruit. To this he adds 25% Garnacha planted in his most gravelly soil.

The result is just… well… Luis Gutierrez of Wine Advocate opined about the lesser-rated 2016 that it was “simply unbelievable.” Exactly! It is hard to put into words… incredibly expressive and aromatic, with notes of flowers mingling with spicy blackberry and blueberry fruit. Acidity? Check! Tannins? Smooth and refined.

This is just plain “stupid good.” Yep. I am breaking out the grammatically incorrect term… this is just… uh… duh… um… someone check that price again!

The aromas hit you before the wine finishes pouring into the glass – just exploding with bright cherry, plum and black raspberry notes. A juicy explosion of vibrant fruit melds together with hints of cracked black pepper and a delicate floral note all pulled back together by fine tannins on the finish. Food? Well, this is everyday wine for everyday food – a la American dishes like burgers, ribs, chops and chili are easy options. Feeling a bit Spanish tonight? Try one of my favorites from the region – revuelto: eggs scrambled with beans, garlic onions and ham. Man, the Spanish love their eggs, and so do I! Not just for breakfast, folks! Or, try Chuletas al ajo cabañil… lamb chops with garlic! Or paella… with snails and rabbit! (Click on the pic for a recipe)
 

Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough. 

The website items say "6 or more" but that just refers to the mixed pack pricing... just plug in two or more of each...