Telmo Rodriguez Gago Red 2019

Telmo Rodriguez Gago 2019

Introduction

Produced in Spain, this distinguished red wine comes from the Toro region within the province of Zamora. The winery, Compañía de Vinos Telmo Rodríguez, was founded in 1994 by Telmo Rodríguez and Pablo Eguzkiza with a philosophy centered on recovering native varieties in their original terroirs. Gago is considered the winery's most representative wine from the area, crafted from old bush-vines sourced from several families of growers who have partnered with Rodríguez since the late 1990s.

Wine Description

The 2019 Gago displays a deep cherry red colour with garnet tones. The nose is intense and complex, revealing aromas of ripe black fruits like blackberries and cassis, layered with notes of dark chocolate, smoke, and balsamic undertones. On the palate, the wine shows a medium to full body with a lush, juicy texture and abundant grainy tannins that provide a firm structure. Flavours of black cherry and plum are balanced by a lively acidity and mineral salinity, leading to a long, perfumed finish with hints of spice and cacao.

The wine is primarily composed of Tinta de Toro (a local variant of Tempranillo) with a small addition of Albillo Mayor. It was fermented using native yeasts in both wooden and stainless steel tanks before aging for 14 months in large foudres and oak barrels. While showing remarkable finesse and drinkability now, this wine is built to evolve and has an optimal drinking window that can extend through 2030.

Accolades

• Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) - 92 points

• Vinous - 91 points