Teso La Monja Romanico 2013, Toro
Deep ruby, tight rim. Reductive initially, but opens to violets, tobacco and mixed red and dark fruits. With resolved tannins and alcohol level(14%, compared to 2014) 2013 is still a robust wine with structure, but if you are 'using' it right, it is as subtle and elegant as 2014 and gives even more palate(dark cherries, roasted herbs, mineral, campfire). You have to come to this wine; this wine won’t go to you. Classic meat dishes and jambon help much to tame this beast to turn into lovely big poodles and Golden Retrievers(if you are dog lovers as well). Decant 30 minutes +suggested.
Grape is from 100% thick-skinned Tinta de Toro(very much a Tempranillo clone), a grape with structure, able to convey the minerality of the soils but with a strong character that needs understanding and “taming”. 5 years in bottle impart certain strucrture(tannins, Alcohol abnd acidity; as well as some complexities.
Teso La Monja possesses more than 100 hectares of vineyards, hence economy of scale to support the low price. Planted with free-standing, native bush vines have been in existence for over 130 years, thus the intensity of palate. The soil is clay, with limestone seams in the subsoil and an abundance of gravel on the surface, and face northwards(hence still with lots of potential elegance), with very long vegetative cycles(hence the inherent complexity and ripeness).
The low-yielding, Goblet-trained bush vines are harvest by hand and go through a rigorous selection at the sorting table. After eight days of temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in 100% new French oak barrels(!!). It ages for six months in new French oak, hence the toast to the fruit.
Critical Acclaim includes RP91 from The Wine Advocate as follows:
Critical Acclaim RP91Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2013 Romanico, 100% Tinta de Toro, was aged six months in 100% new French oak and is exceptional. A wine of considerable intensity, inky purple color, loads of crème de cassis, blackberry, licorice and camphor, the wine is full-bodied, luscious, with low acidity and silky tannin. The high extract and richness suggests this wine can drink well young, or be cellared for another 10-12 years.
