Slightly backward, tannic, structured, and muscular is the 2003 “G” Pago la Jara. Fashioned from old, ungrafted Tinta de Toro, and aged 18 months in 100% new French oak, it is a very serious effort that should be even better with 1-2 years of bottle age, and last for a decade or more.

Lavish oak delivers toast and espresso flavors and solid tannins in this thick, ripe red. Almost oily on the palate, with plum and prune fruit that's dark and dense. Exaggerated but impressive. Give it time. Best after 2008. 200 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Toro Select to Add

This small-batch, single-vineyard heavyweight has a lot of stuffing, power and tannin, but it’s also a rough ride, meaning the fruit and tannins hit like a jackhammer. But with good fatty foods and some decanting, the beast can be tamed. As for flavors, it delivers mostly plum and chocolate.——M.S.(11/1/2007)—— 89