Toro Muruve Elite Do 2009

Bodegas Frutos Villar, Toro, "Muruve", Crianza, 2006 Production background: 12 months oak, 12 months in bottle. 100% Tempranillo, Toro region, Spain. I gave it "4 stars" over there for its value in particular, along with an overall, "Parker-esque" rating of 88- though I think in a year alone and for the value of this wine, that score could move beyond 90 in a heartbeat. "Crianza" is a term for a classification of Spanish-made wines. Reds with the Crianza classification must be aged for 2 years with at least 6 months in oak. This particular example of Crianza spent a year in new oak and another in the bottle before its release. After a 15-minute decant, this particular "Muruve" Crianza blossomed. Light ruby in color, the nose is chock-full of blackberries, cherries, a mash of macerated red fruits and even hints of clove. The approach on the palate is a smooth and robust one, revealing more, well-rounded, smoky cherry notes that found a home on the mid-palate, and really displayed how underrated I feel the '06 vintage was in Spain- particularly for the dollar and for how softly they are drinking as I type. They may not be the 2004's- but they are undervalued at the market. Particularly right now, as they are beginning to show their colors, soften up and, frankly: bare their fruit. The tannins were very nicely integrated into the body of the wine, and while not "fine" (quite yet), I would say added backbone to what was a very enjoyable ride to a thick, mouth-filling finish that "endured". Paired with Fontina cheese, it made for a rich and smooth experience. The wine's evolution was a joy from that point out, especially concerning the retail price, which I would easily say this Crianza outperforms by a good stretch. Spain, to me, is where it's at, and this 2006 Crianza from Bodegas Frutos Villar (from their "Muruve" series of Tempranillo wines) is the perfect example of why I believe that to be the case. It's a $15 bottle that behaves, easily, like a $20 - $25, and will improve steadily over the next four to eight years. ***Gonzo Disclosure I paid for the wines I’ve reviewed out of my own pocket, though at a discounted rate from Giannone Wine & Liquor since I have been doing some minor consulting and graphic design work with the company. The truth of it is; Giannone tastings were responsible for my interest at having a second, more thorough look at what I found to be intriguing wines thanks to pouring them for tastings for John & company at Giannone. A deeper look, so to speak. I wanted a second look to be certain they had the kind of value that I was initially drawn to.