Retail Savings

$62.99 $85.00 26%

2007 Bodegas Pintiaproduct-timed-pdf - 100% Tinto de Toro, - 's Toro Project | WA94

Why We're Drinking It

Spains's most revered winery, Vega Sicilia ( D.O.) saw the potential of the neighboring Toro district for its old-vine local clone of and decided to purchase prime acreage nearly two-decades ago. Their ambition became a reality of changing the way old-vine Tempranillo (aka Tinto de Toro) was grown and vinified. They have set the bar high, moving away from a noble varietal that was perceived as too rustic and overripe to one that embodies elegance, depth and purity.

Their first commercial release was 2001 and since then, the "Pintia" project has received tremendous praise with 92-95 point press for every vintage released since. Ever since Mr. Robert Parker rated the inaugural release 95 points, the international community has taken note.

I’ve been a big fan of Pintia since the early releases and they have not missed a beat. New releasing are still getting great press and vintages like this 2007 are really hitting a sweat spot to enjoy for the immediate or further lay down for a few more years.

I personally would rather drink “Pintia” than Vega Sicilia’s flagship Ribera del Duero bottling “Unico” for its early accessibility and a pure expression of Spain’s noble Tempranillo grape. Furthermore, you’re going to save a boatload in cash picking up 5 to to 6 bottles of Pintia to 1 bottle of Vega Sicilia’s “Unico”

"Save a Wad of Cash":

2007 Vega Siclia “Unico”, Ribera del Duero – (Retail Avg. $335)

2007 Bodegas Pintia, Toro – (Your Invino Price: $62.99)

I negotiated hard with the importer to release this wine for a steal of a price! Your Invino Price is the lowest west of the Rockies and only two other east coast retailers have for a few dollars lower, but I guarantee this back-vintage selection probably has been on a retail shelf for a few years. Our parcel is direct from the national importer so provenance couldn’t be better.

Toro's clone of Tempranillo (aka Tinto de Toro) is thicker skinned than the clonal off shoots that are found in Ribera del Duero and . This is due to the hot and arid conditions of the region that eventually flows into the Portugal's Valley. Historically, many Toro releases lacked complexity and was typified has fruit bombs. The Vega Sicilia group turned this around relatively quickly using similar techniques that they incorporate at their parent Ribera del Duero winery.

I love Pintia its full-bodied approach that is bodacious and ripe, but showing off serious complexity and exceptional length on the finish. 100% new oak is masterfully managed to tame the intense fruit and alcohol (70% French and 30% American). This effort will appeal to a mass range of collectors and discerning palates regardless of “Old World” or “New World” allegiances and preferences.

I have no problem recommending this feature to a Bordeaux or Napa Cabernet collector. It’s a wine that will make an Aussie Shiraz and Rhone Ranger swoon in delight. It’s a slam-dunk for seekers of the finest coming out of the Iberian Peninsula. VARIETAL Tempranillo APPELLATION Toro, Spain ALCOHOL 14.90 SIZE 750ml BLEND Tempranillo

The Story to Know

It was no secret that Vega Sicilia worked for a number of years on a new wine - from Toro, the "next big thing" in Spanish red wine appellations. During that time, the project was known to some under the codename 'ALQUIRIZ', the wine (and winery) were given the name...PINTIA.

Toro is located further along the Duero river from Vega Sicilia, in hotter, wilder territory as one approaches the Portuguese border (after which, the Duero becomes the famous Douro of Port fame). The Vega group began researching the area in 1997, with experimental vinifications and judicious purchases of top vineyard sites, half of which are already planted with mature 25 to 45 year old vines. The estate now possesses 96 hectares of land, including a state-of-the-art vinification and ageing facility. The 2001 vintage was the first judged worthy of release, in a limited quantity of 80 000 bottles.

The wine is 100% Tinta de Toro, the superior local clone of Tempranillo. It displays the style and class of a Vega Sicilia Group wine, but with the extra spicy, forceful presence of a Toro.

Ratings

94 Points, Wine Advocate

Reviews

"The 2007 Pintia has a deep garnet core. The bouquet is powerful, almost as intense as the 2004, but it exhibits greater delineation and perhaps even more complexity. There are gorgeous notes of dark cherries, cassis and touches of dried violets. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel – a smooth, suave Pintia with layers of red fruit laced with dried herbs, cedar and a hint of Moroccan spice. The tannins are soft but define the 2007 at the moment. There remains some oak to be subsumed towards the finish, which exerts a firm grip. This deserves two or three years longer in bottle – this is a little harlot of a wine!" - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate #206, 94 Points