2011 El Nido Clio
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Tasting notes
It might be that in the books 2010 was a more favorable vintage than 2011, but I see the opposite in the wines of El Nido. The 2011 vintage of the 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon Clio is ultra dark, almost black, with a very smoky nose, plenty of spices, graphite with some lactic hints, plums, blackberries, chocolate — all black. The palate is still dominated by the oak, very ripe fruit with unusual flavors of café au lait, plenty of drying, powerful tannins and a clearly sweet finish (toffee) that tries to compensate the high alcohol and moves stylistically closer to a Port. It's a particular style, very good. 60,000 bottles.
Critic scores
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(70% monastrell and 30% cabernet sauvignon; aged for two years in a combination of French and American oak): Bright purple. Smoke-accented cherry, cassis and blueberry on the nose, with hints of mocha and vanilla adding sex appeal. Sappy and broad but with surprising elegance to the sweet dark berry flavors. Finishes on a sweet blackcurrant note, with excellent focus, gentle tannins and a hint of white pepper.