Tasting - Alvarez de Toledo

Name: Alvarez de Toledo
Variety: Mencia Roble
Region: Bierzo
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2009
Price: $14, sale $8.95

My review: This wine tasted floral, like violets or lilacs. It was thin and slightly tannic. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: The 2009 Alvarez de Toledo was bottled just a week before the wine was presented but seems to be showing no symptoms of distress. Balsamic, leather, and black fruits are the principal notes struck by this sauve effort that over-delivers in a big way. Like its older sibling, it can be enjoyed now but will have more to say in 2-3 years.