Jay Kline

9.2

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe, mostly dark fruits: plums, black cherry, dark brambles, purple flowers, sweet tobacco, anise, leather, vanilla and baking spices. I believe this wine sees some new, small format oak. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is smooth and luxurious. Alcohol is medium+. The wine is fairly well balanced.

Initial conclusions: this could be Merlot or a Merlot-based blend, Cabernet Franc (or based blend), Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec or Carménère from the United States, France, Spain or Argentina. From my experience, I didn’t think it was purple or single-toned enough for Malbec. There wasn’t any rotondun or reductive qualities I usually get from Syrah; so I eliminated that as well. There weren’t enough pyrazines for Cab Franc. It left me with Tempranillo or Merlot and since this was lavishly oaked (I felt most new French oak), I veered towards Merlot and since it was leaning pretty heavily towards its fruit and the ABV was elevated, I was going New World instead of Right Bank. Final conclusion: Merlot or Merlot-based blend from the United States, from California, Napa Valley from 2015. Gosh dammit. I forgot about the possibility of Tempranillo from Toro. I totally get it but don’t hate my analysis or call. I’ve had Termes and Numanthia countless times but this was the first time trying Termanthia. It’s a big boy…but pretty well balanced considering the power. Drink now through 2032+. — 9 days ago

Alan Johnston

8.9

3.2. A nice Rioja, but a little dull. Perhaps 2018 was not such a good year. On sale for ‘$18.99. — a month ago

Theodore Krijnse Locker

9.6

So smooth. Dark fruit. Bold, low tannins. Delicious. — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.1

Toro: one of the oldest and strongest expressions of Tempranillo is tamed by the House of Vega Sicilia. Pintia preserves the rustic and robust nature of the DO in an elegant way. Aromas and flavors of dark fruit, violets, dark chocolate, coffee and spice. Full bodied, high alcohol and fine grain tannins with a strong finish are sure to entice. — 20 days ago

David White

9.3

Nice cherry ruby red colour with cherries and red fruit on the nose, silky balance of tannins on palate with minerality leading to a long satisfying finish
Excellent example of good old world wine making — 12 days ago

David Smisek

8.9

03/15/25 at total wine for $6. Not bad for price. Subtle Pepper flavor but smooth. Work with steak dinner. Normally we do $20-40 wine, this worked well. — 2 months ago

John W

10

Dark ruby coloration. On the nose, dark cherry , ripe plum, vanilla, forest floor, oak, leather, truffle, spice, chocolate. On the palate, full bodied and elegant. Complex with an Extensive finish. Cherry, dark berry, vanilla, balsamic, spice, oak, gravel/minerals/forest floor then chocolate takes over. Long finish. — 3 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 2019 | Popped and poured to savour during the Liberation concert at Dutch Liberation day. Good old school Rioja. Tempranillo and 4% Graciano. 24 m barrel aging and 12 m aging in bottle before it comes on the market. Elegance and structure. Vanilla and spicyness in smell. Also mocca. Fine acidity and spices in taste. But also fruit, fresh cherries. Paired with some old goats cheese. — 3 days ago

Brandon Boesch

9.2

So syrupy and sweet. Great with banana ice cream. Not my favorite dessert beverage but super complex and interesting through the sweetness. — 11 days ago

Scott Kahn

9.6

My first exposure to Don Melchor was rewarding! Rich, dark fruit maturity on the nose was consistent with long lasting dark cherries and red plum on the palette. Soft tannins reminiscent of a well aged Cabernet, the softness of this young cab was surprising and delightful! An absolute treat to taste!! — 2 months ago

with Timothy