BULK BUY!
100% Tempranillo (Tinta de Toro) from Toro, Castilla y Leon, Spain.
Available for $9.89 at Costco. The price ending in ".89" means that Costco was able to get a special deal on this item. (Find out more about the Costco pricing structure here.) I could only find two other retailers selling this wine on Wine-Searcher and both were priced significantly higher, at $14 and $24 respectively. Imported by Joint Ventures.
From the bottle:
"Produced from vines planted in 1985 growing in the Toro (Zone 2) wine region in clay and limestone soil at 700-750m (2,296-2,460 ft) elevation. Average temperature during the growing season: 16.3C (61,3F); annual rainfall: 400mm (15.7 in). Aged 6 months in French oak barrels.
13.5% Alcohol"
The Toro wine region in north-western Spain is often overlooked, but if you are a fan of big red wines made from Tempranillo then this is definitely an area you want to check out. Much like Ribera del Duero the region has very hot summers and very cold winters, but the higher altitude and Duero River help to create an environment where Tempranillo can thrive. And boy are we glad it does!
Like many wines, the 2012 Compania de Vinedos Iberian Yaso Toro needs about an hour in the glass to really open up. Once it does you'll find delightful aromas of black cherry, blackberries, violets, licorice, spice and everything nice. There's also a hint of vanilla and chocolate. The wine tastes smooth, rich, dry and spicy with wonderful vanilla, chocolate, caramel and licorice notes and has a bit of a chalky texture. It ends dry with good length, lots of tart fruit and a nice balsamic edge. Yahoo, this is one darn tasty Tempranillo for just ten bucks!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 8.8
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