89 Jay Miller - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2008 Hecula is 100% Monastrell sourced from 35- to 60-year-old vines and aged 50% in tank and 50% in French oak. Purple-colored, it offers up a compelling nose of underbrush, pepper, and blueberry. Ripe, sweetly-fruited, and forward, this crowd-pleaser can be enjoyed now and over the next 4 years." 89 points - Jay Miller - Wine Advocate

WINE:
"From the ancient Roman name for the region (Yecla) - 'Hecula'. This wine is 100% Monastrell. The fruit is sourced from the non-irrigated 'Las Gruesas' vineyard. The vines are an average of 35-60 year old vines. The vineyard's soils are limestone and the altitude is 800 meters. Half of the wine is aged in tank and 50% in French oak barrels." -Importer

WINERY:
"Created by Ramon Castano Santa and his 3 sons, Bodegas Castano is not nearly as old as the vines it owns. Starting quite small, the family has nurtured old plantings and re-planted other parcels and now owns about 400 hectares (10% of the D.O.) in four prime vineyard estates."

"Bodegas Castano, as it is known today for its entrepreneurial spirit, focus and vision, really begun in the early 80's when it slowly and carefully started to experiment with bottling and its state of the art winery facility. The family's commitment to both quality and the Monastrell variety is unparalleled. Today, Daniel Castano, one of Ramon's sons, runs the winery with the help of other members of the family." -Importer