Panarroz Jumilla 2005

Panarroz ("bread rice") is a brand created by Dan Kravitz' Hand Picked Selections, and this is its third vintage delivering lots of Mediterranean character for the money. Parker's 90 ratings for the first two vintages helped volume grow to 100,000 +/- cases this year, and there is potential for much more.

Mourvedre is the anchor grape in Jumilla and in Panarroz. Temperature variations in the 3000-ft elevation vineyards of Jumilla can be extreme, with 60-degree (F) swings in a 24-hour period not at all uncommon, but harvest ultimately comes late. Panarroz is an unoaked blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Shiraz, vinified at Bodegas Olivares.  Alcohol: 14%. Tasting Notes.  Color: Deep purple ruby, translucent. Aromas: Black fruit, meat, savory roasted notes, leather, and hints of wintergreen. Medium-bodied, with plenty of tart plummy fruit flavors, a rustic texture, and dry gravelly tannins. Closure: Composite "neocork".

Excellent value ($10).  Food pairing: Ground Brisket Chili.