The very dry 2012 vintage produced a powerful 2012 Victorino. It's a pure Tempranillo, known here as Tinta de Toro, from ancient, head-pruned, ungrafted vineyards on clay-rich soils. Some ten separate plots contribute grapes to this wine. These old vines have very low natural yields, ten hectoliters per hectare in 2012. The destemmed grapes fermented with yeasts selected from their own vineyards and the wine matured for 18 months in brand new French oak barrels, where it also underwent malolactic fermentation. I found the 2012 very earthy with notes of graphite and hints of peat, as well as some balsamic aromas of menthol and licorice, and a core of black cherries and plums; the oak plays a secondary role in the shape of spices and neatly folds into the voluptuous fruit. The palate is medium to full-bodied with the gobsmacking balance of 2012, very fine tannins and great acidity that lifts the wine up, coupled with some heat from the alcohol. This wine is powerful and elegant. 48,000 bottles produced.