San Román 2023 is a big wine with big flavours, drenched in dark berry fruit with sweet spicy oak, it hits all the right spots. This really is a Toro benchmark from one of the most legendary winemakers, Eduardo Garcia. The wine is made from a terroir that has the ability to give sensational wines in extreme conditions. Usually 100% tinta de toro (tempranillo), this year Eduardo has added 10% garnacha which brings finesse in this hot, dry climate. He is also working fully organically and is now in conversion to biodynamic agriculture, always looking to enhance the biodiversity of his vineyards. The 2023 vintage was excellent, with an early start to the cycle thanks to warm spring, but a perfect summer in terms of humidity and temperature. The vineyards are spread across the villages of San Roman de Hornija and Villaester, at high altitudes of around 850m above sea level, and on stony and sandy-clay soils which help retain the moisture well and gives the wine a distinctive mineral composure. The wine spends 24 months in new and used French oak barrels which softens the powerful tannins. Fresh, firm with dark fruit, and hints of mint and chocolate. If you like big, concentrated reds that are polished, balanced and ageworthy, then this is a must! Drinking 2027 to 2032. 14.5%
