Bodegas El Nido Clio Red Blend Jumilla 2022 750ml
DescriptionThe 2022 vintage of Clio demonstrates the consistency of this ambitious Jumilla project, maintaining the wine's signature style of maximum concentration and luxury while showing subtle evolution in approach. This latest release captures another excellent year for old-vine Monastrell, resulting in a wine that balances power with surprising elegance.
The wine's appearance alone commands attention—deep purple-black with an almost syrupy density at the rim. On the nose, the 2022 Clio shows a touch more restraint than some previous vintages while maintaining its luxurious character. Perfectly ripe blackberries and blueberries dominate, accompanied by complex floral notes of violets and lavender. The French oak is present but better integrated, adding notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and baking spices that complement rather than dominate the fruit. Subtle hints of graphite, herbs, and mineral add welcome complexity.
The palate reveals subtle refinements in the Clio style. While still full-bodied and richly textured, there's a bit more elegance and lift compared to earlier vintages. Concentrated black fruit flavors flood the mouth, but they're balanced by fresher acidity and more refined tannins. The oak influence remains significant but feels more harmonious, adding complexity without the sometimes overwhelming vanilla and chocolate notes of the past. Mid-palate, interesting notes of black olive, herbs, and spices emerge, adding savory elements that provide relief from the fruit intensity.
The 2022 Clio suggests an evolution in style—still unabashedly big and rich, but with better balance and integration. This is still wine for those who appreciate maximum extraction and new oak, but it shows more finesse than earlier efforts. The finish is very long, with fruit and oak elements in better harmony. While still demanding rich foods for pairing, the 2022 shows more versatility than previous vintages. An encouraging development for those who admire the ambition but have wished for more restraint.
