($54) Bright ruby-red. Sappy aromas of black raspberry and spicy oak, lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy and bright, with very intense black fruit and spice flavors showing noteworthy precision. This can't quite match the 2001 version for balance and richness, but the wine's intensity of flavor is compelling. Actually quite lush for the vintage. Finishes very long and lively, with firm but smooth tannins.

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Dark, sweet, exciting nose. Very tense, yet very Toro. Very successful, though perhaps too aggressive at the moment.

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There are 350 cases of the unfiltered 2002 Numanthia. Produced from yields of one ton of fruit per acre from 70-100 year old Tinto de Toro (the local name for Tempranillo) vines, it enjoyed an extended 28-day maceration as well as 19 months in new French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. A strong effort for the vintage, this deep ruby/purple-tinged 2002 exhibits scents of pain grille intermixed with raspberries, black cherries, and hints of licorice as well as spice box. With medium to full body, surprising density, high glycerin, sweet tannin, and a heady, perfumed, generous personality, it should drink well for 5-7 years. Broker Jorge Ordonez is heavily involved in this project, which is an attempt to revive high quality wines in Toro, a distinctive viticultural area that was devastated by phylloxera. There are a number of serious wines emerging from Toro, but Numanthia may be the most perfectionist wine of the appellation (although Vega Sicilia's Pintia and the Campo Elysio from Michel Rolland are among the worthy competitors).

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This polished red shows voluptuous texture over a firm structure, with focused flavors of blackberry, cassis, espresso, mineral and tobacco. Though powerful, it's harmonious and elegant. International style, but with deep local roots. 350 cases imported.

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A tempranillo triumph par excellence. Like with the Castellare I opened early to allow progressive oxidization until it was ready, maybe 2 hours and oh was it singing. Very powerful and yet still tannic with lots of runway. Blueberry, mocha even some plum notes...hoisin? This could go at least another 10 I feel. This has plenty to go and far from an obnoxious fruit bomb. Bravo.