Cartago San Roman 2012

San Roman is the winemaking project of ex-Vega Sicilia winemaker, Mariano Garcia, based in the lesser-known region of Toro. The first vintage of Cartago Paraje del Pozo was 2012 and is a Gran Reserva-style Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) from a single vineyard with 45-year-old ungrafted vines. On the nose it is wonderfully deep and dark with a distinctive wildness to its aroma. Having matured in new French oak for three years it is incredibly svelte in texture, and despite its bold flavour profile, exhibits wonderful finesse. Only 1,900 bottles and 90 magnums were produced.