The 2006 Elias Mora was aged for 6 months in American oak and bottled without filtration. Deep crimson-colored, it has an attractive nose of cedar, spice box, mineral, and blackberry. Supple-textured, forward, and richly flavored, this lengthy wine can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years. Bodegas y Vinas Dos Victorias owns 18 hectares of Tinta de Toro vineyard planted at high elevation. Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (571) 642-0343

Despite some heat and a candied, almost carbonic bouquet, this basic Toro packs a lot of punch and depth of fruit. It’s absolutely, positively looking for some steak tips, cheeseburgers or spaghetti and meatballs to run up against; by itself it’s ripe, ready and lusty, with sweet berry flavors, vanilla and spice.——M.S.(6/1/2008)—— 88