2012 Vega Sicilia, "Pintia" Toro

This is the finest Spanish wine we have tasted all year!

Vega Sicilia is the most iconic winery in Spain, if not the world. The estate's wines are on every wine-lover's bucket list. At $450 per bottle, their flagship "Unico" falls outside the budget of most. However, many don't realize that Vega has a property in Toro, Spain in some of the oldest and best terroirs in the country. It is this wine that made our jaws drop in enjoyment! If it had a different zip code, it would be three times the price, without question!

Pintia is in the outermost region of Toro. There, rugged terrain, butting up against the mountains, means hot, dry summers followed by cold, harsh winters. The extreme climate stresses the vines and brings out amazing fruit flavors.

"Suave oak-spiced black and blue fruit, pipe tobacco and floral pastille aromas are complicated by mocha and vanilla flourishes. Plush and broad on the palate, offering sweet cassis and blackberry flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Rich yet surprisingly energetic in style, finishing sweet, sappy and impressively long; youthful tannins add framework and grip." Antinio Galloni

The press above doesn't do this stunning wine justice. It is a deep, robust reds that we haven't stopped talking about since we tasted in two weeks ago. It will pair well with steak and grilled lamb. Of course, we thoroughly enjoyed this wine on its own and could make a meal of it with simply a wedge of Manchego!