TLDR: The 2019 Pago del Oro Toro Crianza 12-bottle case offers an elegant and powerful expression of Tempranillo from the Toro region of Spain. Aged for 9+ months in American oak, and then further aged in the bottle for up to 2 years, this wine boasts complexity and grace, while the organically-farmed, 30-80 year-old grapes provide robust aromatics. Ready to drink now, and aging gracefully over the next 10-30 years when stored correctly, this is a great option for both near-term cellaring and long-term aging.
As I've stated before in these pages, I've long been a fan of the Toro region of Spain for turning out powerful, richer, riper-style red wines at incredible QPR. Elegant power I believe Decanter said of the region.
On offer today is a stellar, nicely-aged and perfectly-wooded example of Tempranillo from the Pago del Oro "Crianza" (which just means 1-2 years in barrel) program; a wine that I've had my nose buried in for long enough to forget to take a sip more than once. Grace, power, complexity, killer aromatics; it's all here folks.
Produced from organically-farmed, 30-80 year-old, head-pruned Tempranillo (pictured above), then aged for 9+ months in American oak before a few additional years of bottle aging, this Toro drinks great now and will age gracefully over the next 10-30 years if cellared properly. Mind you, it's also a near-term cellar defender too - choose your own adventure here folks!
Like the Pago del Oro Toro Organico, this is a "private label" we are using as the producer imports the wine under its originating label. While we wait for scores on this 2019 and 2018 vintages, I can tell you the 2017, 2016 and 2015 vintages were all awarded 92-points from James Suckling with Gold Medals from Mundus Vini and the 2016 vintage won Double Gold alongside multiple Gold Medals, so I can only assume the fantastic 2019 vintage will ring the bell as well.
Normally 20-$29/bottle with Wine Searcher AVG $22/bottle, this is a steal at $69/6-pack - in-stock and ready to ship!
Medium-to-deep ruby on the pour then nose jumps out of the glass with red-to-black berries accented by dried plum, balsamic reduction, and barrel-kissed spices haloed by cedar. The high-altitude, old-vines here maintain freshness beautifully. The entry is perfectly weighted and glycerine-like with its mouth-coating medium acidity showing infinitely small, velvety, uniform tannins bolstering Toro’s typical masses of ripe blackberry/raspberry fruit, flesh, bold tannins and layer of American oak spice. Black cherry, wet gravel, black pepper, and cigar box add complexity in the finish. The exit is dry, spiced, and with excellent length resonating vanilla and tobacco. Steak? Lamb? Other game meats? Look no further for a perfect pairing! 
