Enrique Mendoza 'La Tremenda' Monastrell 2012

Wine Advocate 91
The first of three reds produced exclusively from Monastrell grapes, the 2012 La Tremenda comes from a single vineyard planted 16 years ago at 600 meters altitude with lime and sand soils with plenty of stones. It was fermented in stainless steel and aged in 500-liter oak barrels for six months. The nose is open and expressive, with mostly red fruit that provides freshness, pomegranate, raspberries and red cherries along with red licorice and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, with tremendous (pun intended) freshness and great persistence. Juicy and accessible, it is a real pleasure wine and true to its birthplace and variety. For an entry-level this has superb quality and an incredible price tag

Although Enrique Mendoza founded the winery in 1989, his son Pepe now runs the business, aided by his younger brother Julián. Pepe is responsible for vineyard management and winemaking, while Julián looks after the commercial side of the company.

So well respected is Enrique Mendoza that it was inducted into the prestigious Grandes Pagos de España. This group's mission is to defend and propagate the culture of "pago" wine, meaning wine produced in a specific terroir that reflects the distinct personality of the soil and climate. To become a member, a vineyard must surpass strict quality standards and also exhibit a degree of uniqueness in terms of soil, climate or grape variety that sets it apart from the surrounding area. The association's membership includes 25 estate wineries throughout Spain.