2000 Numanthia

The project of importer Jorge Ordonez, the 2000 Numanthia (100% Tinta de Toro from 70-100-year old vines) was produced from meager yields of one ton of fruit per acre. It spent 19 months in new French oak, with malolactic in barrel, and neither fining nor filtration. This is a massive, dense ruby/purple-colored effort that needs 3-4 years to strut its stuff. Thick, juicy, and concentrated, it displays notes of creme de cassis, melted licorice, spice box, and earth. It is an impressive, pure, layered wine to drink between 2006-2017. Feb 2003, www.robertparker.com