Bodegas El Nido is a 100-acre estate in the Valle de La Aragona, in the Jumilla region of Spain. It was founded in 2002 and is a collaboration between Australian winemaker Chris Ringland and the Gil Family. Grapes grown are Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Two wines are produced, the Clio, which is 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the flagship wine, El Nido, which is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell.
Opaque purple in color. Dark as night. 15.5% ABV. Sublime nose of dark fruits, mint, scorched earth and roasted herbs. Full bodied with perfect acidity. Rich, lush and notably well balanced. Raspberry, kirsch liqueur, chocolate and tobacco leaves on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Delicious but lacking the concentration of the best vintages of Clio. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Clio is a great value at $40. The 2023 should be available at retail in the next several months. I’m stocking up and you should as well.