Enrique Mendoza 'La Tremenda' Monastrell

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 incredible value 2018 La Tremenda is pure Monastrell from 26-year-old vines on sandy and silt soils covered with rolling stones. It fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak barrels for six months. It's a more delicate expression of Monastrell, with good balance, quite transparent; it was easy, and the wines have very good freshness, with less concentration but terrific balance and definition, quite fruit-driven but with complexity and depth. It's approachable, really good for an entry level and amazing for the price. This is really impressive. An honest Monastrell.' - 92 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate