Founded in 1980 in Tudela del Duero, 19 kilometres east of Valladolid, while Mariano García was in his hey-day as winemaker of the legendary Vega Sicilia, and in an area that would not ultimately form part of the Ribera del Duero DO (falling 10 kilometres short of its western boundary), this is what was to become the first of 2 family wineries (run for the last few years by sons Alberto and Eduardo) and dedicated to the production of a series of imposing, pedigree Castilian reds that have become a staple of all fine-drinking Spanish households.
Indeed, out of a total production of some 180.000 bottles a year - over the 3 styles detailed below - some 70% is sold on the national market. Meanwhile - from its total 35 hectares of, on average, 20-year old vines (90% Tempranillo, 5% Syrah and 5% Garnacha), grown in this distinctly Atlantic influenced continental area of mixed, well-drained, lime, sand, chalk and clay soils with yields of 3500 to 5000 kilos per hectare & its plantations in and around the high (746 metres) village of Santibáñez de Valcorba, some 25 km east of Valladolid , which has significantly muddier, stonier soils - this original estate now produces the following reds, with a personality all of their own: Mauro Parker says ‘the 2005 Mauro is made up of 97% Tempranillo and 3% Syrah.
Opaque purple-colored, it reveals a brooding but enticing bouquet of wood smoke, pencil lead, tar, and assorted black fruits. This leads to a layered, plush, mouth-filling, sweetly fruited wine with tons of flavor. It has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years and its finish is long and pure. It can be enjoyed now but will continue to provide pleasure through 2025.’ Mauro Vendimia Seleccionada Parker again..’the 2003 - with 04 on the horizon - is inky purplecolored.
It has that slightly baked (from the searing heat of the vintage) aromatic character found in the best 1959 Bordeaux as well as fragrant notes of pain grille, pencil lead, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur.
On the palate the wine is opulent, complex, intense, and superconcentrated. It has a firm structure and enough tannin to develop for another 5-7 years. The finish lasts for longer than one minute. Drink this superb effort from 2012-2030.’ This, in our view, is the star of the show; yet it is the top-cuvée - Terreus, which clearly hits the spot for Robert Parker, whose words we have appropriated: ‘The 2003 Terreus is sourced from a single vineyard and produced only in top vintages. Purple/black in color, it offers a superb perfume of smoky oak, pencil lead, mineral, spice box, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. Opulent, thick, and layered, it has gobs of spicy, ripe black fruits, and licorice and espresso notes which emerge on the palate.
The wine is beautifully balanced and very lengthy. It will reward extended cellaring and drink well through 2030.’ We have a limited allocation of the above; and 2004 follows...
Printer-friendly version