Celler Malondro 2012 Besllum Montsant 750ml
"The 2008 Besllum is composed of 45% Garnacha, 45% Carinena, and 10% Syrah aged for 16 months in new French oak. Also deeply colored, it displays an alluring bouquet of wood smoke, exotic spices, incense, lavender, blueberry, and black cherry. In the glass it displays opulence, loads of sweet fruit, and outstanding volume. Give it 2-3 years to fill out and drink it from 2013 to 2023."
- The Wine Advocate #194 93 points
About
Joan Carles Estivill is the third generation from his family to be tending to their family vineyards. The vineyards are located in Cornudella del Montsant, the highest village in the appellation. He is passionate about his vineyards and he only founded his bodega after the region received denomination of origin status. He leaves the wine making skills to his young winemaker, Ramon Valls, and his boutique bodega only produces about 5,000 cases per year. Joan Carles developed a circular metal retainer that he puts around each of his old vines to provide a trellis effect for the vine. He finds that the retainer helps the grapes remain very small for better concentration. Joan Carles also lets the grass grow in the vineyards to absorb the spring rains in order to further stress the vines. Besllum means "a ray of bright light coming through a small opening in a dark background."