Numanthia, Toro (Spain) 2005

Purple/red.

Suave barrel spices, meat and a hint of mint.

Suave and round in the mouth, quite plush with grainy concentration immediately apparent. Huge tannic structure very nicely folded into the flesh of the wine. Blackberry liqueur front and center. Mint repeats late in the finish.

This is probably the most complete Numanthia yet. Refined, subtle and totally packed. Many years needed to reach its peak.

Day 2 - Interesting to read Jay Miller's (Wine Advocate) assessment of this wine. The tannin in the early wines ('98/'99) was far more abrasive. There's a sophisticated character here that was lacking in earlier vintages. Tannic, you bet, but there's a mid-palate plushness/concentration that outlasts and ultimately spanks the tannin. Not to mention a purity of flavor that was not evident in the early years.

Buy it. It will be relatively cheap now.

Day 4 - No question - this has massive upside potential. Huge structure is finely rendered, deep black fruit flavors are over-riding and pure.

Buy it.

$50