A fantastic, intense expression of Tempranillo…
We adored the intense aromas and tastes of this fantastic 2011 Numanthia from Bodega Numanthia in Toro, Spain. With outstanding balance and complexity, this Tempranillo offered a wonderful bouquet on the nose, including tobacco, leather, hickory spice, vanilla, anise, and grilled steak. In the mouth, more grilled steak emerged, as did sour red cherries, old cheddar cheese, earth, anise, and graphite. We found the tannins pronounced and drying, although not in an offensive way. Time and a good decant helped in relax the tannins.
We had this wine after dinner with cheese and dark chocolate. Whereas sour red cherries and vanilla emerged with Parmesan cheese, grilled meat and earth emerged with smoked Applewood cheddar. When we paired it with dark chocolate, we detected more earthy and sour fruit notes. Given the characteristics of this wine, flavourful foods, especially grilled meats and strong cheeses, are recommended.
At $83 CAD per bottle, some would consider this Numanthia a little on the pricey end. But for the quality, it represents good value. We look forward to purchasing another bottle, so we can cellar it for a few more years.
Unsurprisingly, this particular vintage has received outstanding ratings from a number of other wine experts.
Rating (from 70 to 100): 92/100
Value: 4/5
The Bottle Details…
Name: Numanthia
Vintage: 2011
Producer: Bodega Numanthia
Region/Country: Toro, Spain
Grape Varietal(s): Tempranillo (also known as Tinta de Toro)
Alcohol content: 14%
Consumed: At home
Recommended By: Purchased from the duty-free shop at Heathrow Airport in London, UK.
Cost: $83 CAD
Bottle Presentation: A modern, distinctive combination of Gothic and Egyptian styles.
The Tasting Details…
Appearance: Deep garnet.
Nose: A medium nose consisting of tobacco, grilled steak, hickory spice, leather, wood, vanilla, and anise.
Taste: A dry, medium-bodied red, with high, drying tannins and high (read mouth-watering) acidity. Initially, we had grilled steak, sour cherries, and leather in the mouth. As the wine opened, old cheddar cheese, anise, and graphite emerged.
Finish: A pronounced, long finish of sour cherries and earth.