2005 Bodegas Matarredonda Juan Rojo

Toro, Spain

Bodegas Matarredonda Juan Rojo is a beautiful Spanish red of 100% Tempranillo (Tinta de Toro) from the fast-rising region of Toro. Alfonso Sanz Rojo founded Bodegas Matarredonda in 2000, and owns 62 acres of old Tempranillo vines in the town of El Pego, southwest of Toro. His first vintage was 2001. The vineyards are at 2,480 ft altitude with a warmer microclimate within the Toro DO. Grapes grown here usually ripen earlier, avoiding late September rains. Jay Miller for Wine Advocate rated this wine 90 points, and it's one of our favorite red wine gems!

Juan Rojo is deep ruby-purple in color with a beautiful nose of cassis, blackberry, blueberry, cedar, spice, and toasty oak. Full in body with velvety tannins and moderate acidity, the wine offers up rich flavors of blackberry, black currant, chocolate and spice. It was aged for 8 months in French and American oak. Rich and complex, it is well balanced to enjoy now and over the next 8-10 years. It is long and elegant on the finish.

Enjoy Juan Rojo with roast leg of lamb, steak, roast pork, paella, and aged cheeses.