Minimum was impressive wine in 2003 and it’s better in 2004. Cambra’s blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Franc is probably the best wine coming from the obscure Valencia D.O. It is generous, balanced, rich and lusty; flavors of blackberry, cassis and plum are succulent and every hole or gap seems filled by tannin, flesh and flavor. Drink now through 2011.
— M.S.
(10/1/2009)
Fruit overload and gumball richness define the syrupy, super ripe nose on this Monastrell (Mourvèdre) Cabernet Franc blend from Valencia. This is big stuff, with blackberry, prune and chocolate cake qualities. It’s thick, intense, tannic and will continue to be lively and drinkable for another six or seven years. A surprise wine; 100 cases produced.
— M.S.
(4/1/2008)
Dark in color, with density, concentration, oak and black fruit aromas. The palate is meaty and rich, with a higher level of purity and character than the Valencia region has historically been known for. Satisfying, slightly complex and with good snap.
— M.S.
(4/1/2010)
Dark and deep, with cola, black fruit and truffle aromas. There’s good lift to the palate, but overall it has to be classified as a dense, warm-climate wine with a big body and equally large flavors of black plum, olive and coffee. Seems short and a little simple on the finish.
— M.S.
(10/1/2009)
Lots of color but quiet and shy, with only minimal expressiveness throughout. The palate offers just one level of baked-fruit flavors, but no variance or complexity. And in the end it’s clean and solid, but more amorphous and monotone than you’d hope for given the price. 70% Monastrell and 30% Cab Franc is the blend; 160 cases made.
— M.S.
(4/1/2009)
Clean plum and berry is the opening act, but after initial black-fruit and spice aromas there is only an underdeveloped set of flavors that run sassy, sour and stretched. The feel is decidedly tart, while the finish is more acidic and less friendly than most varietal Monastrells. 400 cases made.
— M.S.
(4/1/2009)
This wine impressed us more now than when we tried it last year. It is showing commendable intensity and concentration, and while it seems slightly medicinal, it brings on the plum and baked-fruit flavors. Probably a bit more heavy and mushy than ideal, but we like the wine’s ripeness and dark flavors.
— M.S.
(10/1/2009)