2008 Bodegas El Nido "Clio" Jumilla

SKU #1062610 94 points Jeb Dunnuck

Ripe and meaty, the 2008 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio, mostly Monastrell from vines averaging 60 years in age, sports a dense purple color to go with spiced cassis and black fruits, tobacco, coffee, and loamy earth like aromas on the nose. Despite the expected upfront fruit, this shows solid underlying herb, pepper and mineral characteristics that lend complexity to what is normally a very fruit driven wine. Full bodied and beautifully balanced on the palate, with loads of polished, hedonistic fruit, a silky, light texture, and long finish, this is a gorgeous wine that delivers solid aromatics, as well as a silky, polished palate. I don’t know how this will age (given the blend, one would think very well) but it’s certainly delicious now and given then upfront profile, I don’t see any reason to hold off either. (3/2011)

94 points Wine Advocate

The 2008 Clio is made up of 70% old vine Monastrell sourced from a vineyard planted in 1944 and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted in 1979. The alcoholic fermentation is in oak followed by malolactic fermentation in new barrels and aging for 24 months in new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits an expressive nose of pain grille, underbrush, brier, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry fruit leading to a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish. In spite of its size, it is surprisingly light on its feet and can be approached now. However, it will evolve for 3-4 years and offer prime drinking from 2014 to 2023. (JM) (6/2011)

92 points Wine Spectator

This modern red shows toasty oak, with spice, light cola and coffee notes, balanced by lively blackberry and boysenberry fruit, and supported by firm, well-integrated tannins. Juicy acidity keeps this fresh through the spicy finish. (TM) (4/2012)

91 points Int'l Wine Cellar

Saturated purple. Oak-spiced aromas of black and blue fruits, with notes of woodsmoke and vanilla gaining strength with air. Broad and fleshy, with very good depth and power to its boysenberry and cassis flavors. Finishes with chewy tannins, excellent clinging length and an echoing vanilla note. This needs some time for the oak and fruit to get to know each other. (JR) 91+ (10/2011)