2018 Teso la Monja Almirez Magnum

The 2018 Teso la Monja Almirez Magnum is a powerful and polished red from Toro, crafted entirely from old-vine Tinta de Toro (the local Tempranillo clone). Presented in a generous 1.5L format, it offers both immediate pleasure and impressive cellaring potential. This is a wine that combines intense dark fruit with elegance, delivering remarkable quality for the price.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Almirez shows an opaque ink-black core with a deep purple rim, signaling its concentration and youth. The nose is expressive and layered: ripe blackberries, blackcurrant and cassis intertwine with notes of caramel, roasted coffee, cocoa, tobacco leaf, and a firm mineral streak, all beautifully framed by fine, toasty oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, with a dense, velvety mouthfeel. Flavors of dark cherry, black plum, and blackcurrant are joined by hints of licorice, espresso, smoke, and sweet spice. The tannins are ripe yet firm, providing structure and grip without harshness, while the acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced. The finish is long, persistent, and refined—echoing Robert Parker’s comment about a finish that lingers for nearly 40 seconds. In magnum format, this 2018 Almirez has an excellent aging window of at least 10–15 years from vintage, gaining complexity, softness, and savory nuance with time.

Production
Teso La Monja’s vineyards in Toro sit on high, windswept plateaus in Castilla y León, where hot summer days, cool nights, and poor, sandy and clay-limestone soils naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor. The Tinta de Toro vines used for Almirez average around 50 years of age, producing small, intensely flavored berries. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimum ripeness, with careful selection both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation and aging in quality oak barrels for around 14 months. The use of predominantly French oak (with a thoughtful balance of new and used barrels) adds structure and spice without overwhelming the pure dark fruit character.

Food & Serving
This is a superb match for robust, flavorful dishes: grilled or roasted lamb, ribeye steak, Iberico pork, slow-braised beef, game (venison, wild boar), and rich stews all highlight its depth and structure. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses such as Manchego, Comté, or mature cheddar. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Given its youth and concentration, decanting for 1–2 hours is strongly recommended, especially from magnum, to allow the wine to open up and show its full aromatic complexity.

Producer
Teso La Monja is part of the prestigious Hermanos Eguren family of wineries, one of Spain’s most respected wine dynasties with deep roots in both Rioja and Toro. After the original Toro estate behind Numanthia and Termanthia was sold to Moët & Chandon (LVMH), the Eguren family returned to the region to acquire exceptional old-vine parcels and establish Teso La Monja as their new flagship in Toro. In a relatively short time, the estate has become a benchmark for modern, high-quality Tinta de Toro, known for combining power, precision, and finesse. Critically acclaimed and highly sought after, Teso La Monja’s wines, including Almirez, are now regarded among the finest expressions of this rugged, historic region.

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