This red is lightly reductive at first, opening in the glass, so give it some air to reveal the overtones of fragrant herbs and spices, plus the minerally underpinning layered with flavors of crushed blackberry and toast. The finish is firmed by chalky tannins. Best after 2024. 10,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Toro Select to Add

A dark, medium- to full-bodied red, with crushed black currant and black cherry fruit accented by aromatic wild herb, toast and smoke notes. Tempranillo. Drink now. 10,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Toro Select to Add

The 2012 Vina Elias Mora is the entry-level red for Elias Mora, quite a pricey red aged for six months in American oak barrels with aromas of banana skin and very ripe fruit, verging on overripeness, combined with a reductive personality and a medium to full-bodied palate with round, glossy tannins. The nose might improve with time in bottle and the wine is too young, but it’s a bit of a question mark today. Drink now-2016. Importer: Grapes Of Spain, Lorton, VA, Tel. (571) 642-0343, www.grapesofspain.com

The 2011 Vinas Elias Mora is the entry-level wine, which comes from 20-year-old bush vines. It sees six months in American oak. It offers a vivacious bouquet of dark berries, iodine and cassis that is endowed with good lift. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, ripe dark cherry and boysenberry fruit. It is lively, simple and delicious – exactly as an entry-level wine should be. Drink now-2015. Bodegas Elias Mora was one of my pit stops during my visit to Toro, the bodega located in the village of San Roman de Hornija, not far from Bodega Pintia. It was a pleasure to meet Victoria Benavides, who escorted me around the small, functional winery before a tasting of the most recent vintages. They own eight hectares of vineyard on mainly clay and limestone soils, and one of the large stones that strewn the vineyard could be clearly viewed through the tasting room window. They offer a fine portfolio of wines, in particular the outstanding Gran Elias Mora, whose traditional style is preferable to the more expensive and internationally-driven, but less soulful “2V Premium.” Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (571) 642-0343

The 2009 Elias Mora was aged for 6 months in new American oak. Smoky black fruits, violets, cinnamon, and licorice aromas lead to a straightforward, savory, full-bodied offering meant for near-term enjoyment. In the context of the 2009 vintage, it is a minor disappointment. The following three wines from Bodegas y Vinedos Elias Mora, located in the DO of Toro, were made from 100% Tinta de Toro, the local clone of Tempranillo, and bottled without filtration. Importer: Aurelio Cabestrero, Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA; Tel. (571) 642-0343