Teso La Monja, Victorino, 2010

Teso La Monja Victorino 2010 is a black cherry red with a purple rim. An aromatic and intense nose, with myriad notes of wild black fruits (blueberries and blackberries), flowers, herbs, dark chocolate, balsam, pencil lead, cigar ash and sweet baking spices. Powerful, juicy, structured and very concentrated on the palate. Sweetly fruited, with liquorice, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, forest floor and aromatic wood flavours. Very long on the finish with an elemental and mineral aftertaste.

Teso La Monja Victorino is named after Victorino Eguren Ugarte, who established the family winery with his brother Guillermo in Rioja in 1957. The grapes are individually selected before being fermented and then matured in 100% new French oak. Winemaker Marcos Eguren is a master of the modern style, and given that Toro is seen as the new face of "classic" Spanish red wine this is very much in keeping with that tradition.

Neal Martin writing for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

The 2010 Teso La Monja Victorino is tightly wound on the nose with black cherries, iodine and violets, almost Margaux-like in character. The palate is medium-bodied and already offers good fruit intensity, offering cassis, tart cherries and a touch of blueberry. It shows good weight in the mouth with a lifted, spicy finish that has a touch of welcome volatility lending it edginess and tension.
Drink 2015-2025. 93 Points

• ❖ ABV: 15%