2005 Alonso del Yerro Maria
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Maria is purple/black, brooding aromatically with an array of licorice, tar, truffle, blackberry, and blueberry. This densely packed wine demands 8-10 year of cellaring and will offer a drinking window extending from 2018 to 2040. The current owners purchased this estate in 2002 and hired Stephane Derenoncourt of Bordeaux renown as consultant. The Alonso del Yerro cuvee, made from 100% Tempranillo, typically goes through ML in barrel followed by 12 months sur lie with batonnage in new French oak. The Maria cuvee (also 100% Tempranillo) is fermented in new oak vats, goes through a longer maceration than the Alonso bottling, and is aged in new French oak for 18 months sur lie with batonnage. As a side note, Vinedos Alonso del Yerro has started a new project in neighboring Toro called Paydos. I tasted barrel samples of the first two vintages, 2008 and 2009. They were both exceptional; the 2009, in particular, due to the virtually perfect vintage conditions in Toro. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
More peppery. Rich, dense and lovely freshness. Very powerful and dark and concentrated. Chewy still but tannins are fine. Probably needs even longer than the 2006. (JH)
So dark the aromas are almost impenetrable. Very tight, minerally and unyielding at this early stage. Superconcentrated without being overripe but much too young! With time in the glass, some violet notes. Great structure but needs to fill out in the bottle by more time in the bottle. Wait awhile. (JH)
Dark purple. Deep cherry-cola, anise and espresso aromas, with suave vanilla and floral nuances. Chewy dark fruit flavors are complicated by graphite, violet pastille and succulent herbs. A bit clenched on the powerful finish but this has impressive concentration and energy.