2011 Termanthia

(made from a crop level of about 1.3 tons per hectare and aged in 100% new French oak): Bright purple. Heady smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense and floral pastilles, with hints of mocha and cola slowly emerging. Densely packed and alluringly sweet, offering palate-staining blueberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a sexy Indian spice flourish. Sappy, smooth and seamless, finishing with powerful thrust; velvety tannins come in late to add shape and gentle grip. (I also had the chance to taste the newly bottled 2012 version of this wine when I visited the bodega this fall and it looks to be a stunner. It's densely packed with dark fruit flavors; although a bit inscrutable right now, it's clearly destined to be a remarkable wine. I'll review it, formally, during the next go-round for Toro wines.)