2019 Teso la Monja Almirez Magnum

The 2019 Teso la Monja Almirez Magnum is a powerful, modern expression of Toro, crafted entirely from old-vine Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) and bottled in an impressive 1.5L format for even greater elegance and longevity. Sourced from 50-year-old vines and aged 14 months in oak, it delivers depth, structure, and a sense of place that overdelivers at its price point. Born from the same family behind the famed Numanthia and Termanthia, Almirez carries forward that legacy of intensity and precision, now under the prestigious Teso La Monja estate.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Almirez shows an opaque, inky black core with deep purple highlights, hinting at its concentration and youth. The nose is seductive and layered, opening with ripe black fruits—blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis—interwoven with notes of caramel, roasted coffee, sweet spice, dark chocolate, and a distinct mineral edge. Subtle tobacco leaf and well-integrated oak tones add complexity and refinement. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, generous red with a rich, velvety texture and impressive density. The dark fruit is juicy yet controlled, supported by firm but polished tannins and a lively backbone of acidity that keeps everything in balance. Flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis, mocha, and warm baking spices unfold into hints of graphite, toasted oak, and a savory, almost smoky mineral note. The finish is long, pure, and persistent—famously described by Robert Parker as lasting nearly 40 seconds—leaving impressions of ripe fruit, spice, and fine tannin. This magnum format will age gracefully for a decade or more, with optimal drinking likely from now through the early-to-mid 2030s, gaining further complexity and harmony over time.

Production
Teso La Monja’s vineyards for Almirez are located in Toro’s prime zones around Zamora, Valdefinjas, and Villabuena, an area renowned for its sandy, well-drained soils and remarkable pre-phylloxera heritage. Many of these old Tinta de Toro vines are ungrafted—protected from phylloxera by the deep sands—allowing for low yields of intensely flavored, authentic fruit. Grapes from approximately 50-year-old vines are carefully harvested by hand, with strict selection both in the vineyard and at the winery. Vinification focuses on extracting richness and structure without sacrificing freshness: gentle maceration, temperature-controlled fermentation, and precise management of pump-overs to build color and tannin. The wine is then aged for around 14 months in quality oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are French, lending polish, complexity, and subtle toast while preserving the purity of the fruit and the distinctive character of Toro.

Food & Serving
This 2019 Almirez Magnum is a natural partner for hearty, flavorful dishes that can stand up to its power and structure. Think grilled or roasted lamb, ribeye steaks, Iberico pork, slow-braised short ribs, venison, or rich stews with mushrooms and root vegetables. It also works beautifully with aged Manchego, hard sheep’s cheeses, and dishes seasoned with rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) for optimal balance and aromatics. In magnum, the wine will benefit from a generous decant—60 to 90 minutes is ideal—to allow the tannins to soften and the complex layers of fruit, spice, and minerality to fully emerge.

Producer
Teso La Monja is one of the flagship estates of the renowned Eguren family (Hermanos Eguren), a name long associated with some of Spain’s most iconic Tempranillo-based wines. After creating and elevating Vega de Toro’s Numanthia and Termanthia to international fame before their acquisition by Moët & Chandon, the family sought out exceptional old-vine parcels in Toro to launch a new chapter: Teso La Monja. Here, they focus on low-yielding Tinta de Toro vines—many ungrafted and pre-phylloxera—crafted with meticulous viticulture and modern, detail-driven winemaking. The estate has quickly become a benchmark in the region, known for wines that combine Toro’s raw power with finesse, precision, and aging potential, making cuvées like Almirez some of the most compelling values in premium Spanish red wine.

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