2012 Bodegas Teso La Monja "Almirez" Toro

The 2012 Almirez (a 1,000-case cuv̩e of 100% Tinta de Toro) was aged 14 months in French oak. This sensational wine comes from vines planted between 1949 and 1999. Yields were a conservative 1.8 tons of fruit per acre. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas of camphor, ground pepper, blackberries and cassis. This full-bodied, Northern Rh̫ne Valley-like Spanish red exhibits meaty/lard notes, terrific density and purity, and a finish that lasts nearly 40 seconds. It should drink nicely for a decade or more. This large estate in Toro is owned by the Eguren family, who also owns the Dominio de Eguren winery. These two value-priced cuv̩es, primarily fashioned from old vines planted between 1880 and 1999, are from head-pruned vines. They represent impressive quality. (RP)