2017 Finca Bacara Time Waits For No One Monastrell Oak Aged Jumilla Spain 750 ml

When we see a truly staggering score on an affordable bottle, we run to our laptops to make sure it’s right. But with the 2017 Finca Bacara Time Waits For No One Monastrell, we found all the proof we needed in the glass.

One sip of the juicy and polished blue- and black-fruited 2017 Finca Bacara proves that its ground-shaking 95-point performance at the Decanter World Wine Awards was no fluke. This is a blockbuster red wine that comes from one of the most reliable spots on the planet for top values, and it earned every one those belief-defying 95 points—at a price that puts it squarely in multiple case-buy territory. 

We’ve got it for $15 per bottle.

Just about anywhere else in the world, this wine would fetch $25 or more. With its dark ruby center and crimson tears, the nose explodes with dark juicy fruits and a spice box of scents. Blackberry, macerated blueberry, candied raspberry, and several cracks of Tellicherry pepper lead into a juicy, warm, and polished palate, offset by a very fine dusty tannic grip. A slight meatiness offers more intrigue on the finish, which shows a deft balance of components—especially impressive given the price. 

We’ve been fans of Spain’s sun-soaked Jumilla region for years precisely because it produces deep and rich red wines—based on the Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre) grape—that boast blockbuster quality for insanely friendly prices. In fact, when we read the recent Wine Enthusiast Monastrell roundup that proclaimed “A Classic Blending Grape Becomes a Solo Star Worldwide,” our reaction was: So what’s the news?

In our eyes, there’s nothing novel about Monastrell’s stardom. The grape (as Mourvèdre) forms a big part of the blend of Rhône icon Château de Beaucastel, and dominates the profound, long-lived reds of Bandol powerhouses like Domaine Tempier and Wine Access five-star favorite Domaine du Gros ‘Nore. 

Monastrell thrives in hot, sunny climes, which is why Jumilla is the world’s epicenter for the old-vine iteration. Jumilla is a land of extremes, characterized by huge plains and valleys that see little rain. It’s freezing in the winter, scorching in the summer, with chalky soils whose high hydric capacity allows the vines to survive prolonged droughts. And since Finca Bacara’s vineyards are located at nearly 3000 feet of elevation, they enjoy (or deal with) a huge diurnal swing, which we can thank for the lively streak of acid that balances the ripe, sun-baked fruit.

Finca Bacara is harvested by hand, sorted both in the field and in the winery, and vinified separately by plot. After a full year, Rioja-style, in American oak, it’s kissed with wood spice and vanilla—yet another luxurious touch on a wine whose name pays homage to the “Carpe Diem” mentality. 

This is a wine that delivers “life is short” pleasure—and at this price, we recommend you stock up like you’re going to live forever.