93 Points
The 2012 Almirez (a 1,000-case cuvée 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 Rhône 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.
92 Points
The 2012 Romanico (1,500 cases produced) is made from 100% Tinta de Toro (the local name for Tempranillo), and is aged for six months in a combination of new and used French oak. Malolactic is done in oak, and the result is full-bodied, opaque purple-colored wine with superb richness as well as lots of blackberry, charcoal and cassis intermixed with licorice, new saddle leather, pepper and bouquet garni. This nearly viscous red should drink beautifully for 7-10 years.
