Numanthia Termes Toro Termanthia 2012 (Spain) Rated 96JS

Wine Spectator Review
Rated 95
Dense and polished, this red is muscular yet balanced, with firm, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity supporting rich flavors of blackberry, cocoa, licorice and mineral. Monolithic now, but has real depth. Best from 2018 through 2028.

Wine Advocate Review
Rated 94
The limited, top of the range 2012 Termanthia is a single-vineyard Tempranillo from a plot of vines planted some 120 years ago. The bunches are hand-destemmed and then foot-trodden, and fermented in oak vats. The wine spends six months in new French oak barrels until malolactic is completed and then transferred to another set of brand new barrels for a further 18 months. The aromas are dominated by the élevage, with plenty of oak, smoke and peat, with something organic and earthy, even with some hints of Islay whiskey. If you look hard enough, there are some heady aromas of violets and blueberries underneath. The palate is quite straight within its full size and power, with good freshness, marked acidity, more elegance than the Numanthia and also better drinkability. Even with 200% oak, there is fruit here that talks about the quality, natural concentration and power of the grapes used, which are able to stand such brutal treatment. The new winemaker tells me the 2014 will only have around 80% new oak, and I'm looking forward to tasting the bottled wine, as I believe you could make an amazing wine with these grapes, and a softer hand in the vinification and aging. Around 5,000 bottles are produced per vintage.

James Suckling Review
Rated 93
Big and powerful red defined by a stony, seaweed, blackberry and bay-leaf character. Complex and layered. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered with fine tannins and a fresh, spicy and earthy finish. Jammy and old-school Spanish red but impressive nonetheless. Drink now or hold.


COLOR: deep purpleAROMA: extremely rich and complex, with a palette of dark berries (redcurrant, warm summer raspberries, cassis, and blackberries) and delicate mineral, balsamic and spicy notes (cedar, nutmeg and black pepper), perfectly integrated with vanilla, and roasted cocoa characters. The intense aroma evolves in the glass, opening up as it gradually mixes with air, gaining more intensity and complexity. Palate: velvety, round and juicy, followed by firm, silky tannins, for a sensation of both weight and finesse. The finish is very long and complex with an extremely wide range of aromas from dark berries to cocoa, truffle, mineral and toasted notes.