2003 - Mauro, Terreus Paraje de Cueva Baja

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. Because of its geographical location 10 km from the boundary of Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Mauro does not qualify for the more prestigious D.O. Currently it has 35 hectares of vineyard in production. Winemaking is in the hands Alberto and Eduardo Garcia, sons of renowned Vega Sicilia winemaker Mariano Garcia. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com

Inky ruby. Explosive, ripe and seductive on the nose, with potent, oak-laced blackberry, cassis, raspberry and cherry liqueur-like intensity to the fruit aromas, along with some suave floral accents and suggestions of cigar box, exotic chocolate and smoky bacon; this smells like the Platonic gourmet shop. Rich, supple and broad, the dark berry flavors wonderfully complemented by sexy oak spice and mocha notes, with serious but thoroughly harmonious tannins providing structure. Finishes on a warm, ripe note, with lingering sweetness. A superb example from this hot year.