Victorino 2023

Victorino is made by Teso La Monja, the Eguren family estate that has become a reference in D.O. Toro, in the far west of Castilla y León. It is made from Tinta de Toro, the local strain of Tempranillo, from old vines of over 45 years, farmed on sustainable principles with natural fertilisers and no pesticides. Toro is a hot, dry, high plateau region with sandy and stony soils over clay and limestone, where the heat and the old, low yielding vines give small, thick skinned berries with deep colour and ripe phenolics. The extended hang time and concentration are the source of Toro's well known power, and old vine fruit brings balance and depth to that frame. The wine ages for eighteen months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange tames the firm tannins and the wood adds smoke, spice and a fine toast. The colour is dense, dark cherry to purple. The nose shows ripe dark plum, black fruit, liquorice and spice, and the palate is full bodied and powerful, with ripe, firm tannin, good acidity and a long savoury finish. At 14.5 percent it stays balanced. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting young vintages. Built for rich red meat.