Mauro, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon 2005

Purple/red.

Deep black pudding fruit/custard, meat, earth and oak spice nose.

Huge depth in the mouth, really out-sized. Makes most neighboring Ribera del Dueros seem light-weight. But that isn't necessarily a compliment. Here, it is, as this also demonstrates reasonable complexity and fruit to burn (Tanzerism). No lack of supporting structure that also does not overwhelm. Love to see this thing in 7-9 years.

Day 2 - I was thinking I was over-enthusiastic about this last night. Not. Huge mid-palate now neutralized by serious acid/tannin synergy. Structural chew coats every tooth in the mouth.

Day 4 - Great density (still) obvious in the nose. I'm thinking this is a great value, but I'm basing that on yesteryear's cost ($30). Nevertheless, this is major league action.

Mariano Garcia's (long time Vega Sicilia winemaker) home estate. Killer - squared.

$50