Black cherry and grape flavors mingle with vanilla and leafy notes in this plump red, which has lively acidity and a round texture. Drink now through 2020. 10,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Toro Select to Add

The 2011 Bajoz Tempranillo comes from 20- to 40-year-old Tinta de Toro vines and undergoes some micro-oxygenation. It has a lifted bouquet of dark cherries and cranberry fruit that needs more vigor but is well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with “crunch” raspberry on the entry, well-judged acidity and a clean, fleshier, strawberry-inspired finish. Yet again, this will provide fine weekday drinking at an affordable price. Drink now. Vina Bajoz is one of Toro’s stalwarts, established back in 1952 (as “Nuestra Senora de la Vinas”). They control a considerable 1,000 hectares of vine, and their winery can process 13 million liters per annum. Felix Solis Avantis acquired the estate in September 2008 as part of their Pago del Rey brand line alongside wineries located in Rueda, Ribera del Duero and Rioja. Theirs is a good, reliable, well-priced portfolio of Toro wines, although my scores reflect the fact that smaller wineries are able to be more exacting in a wine region that demands a more “micro” style of winemaking. Importer: Luneau Inc Westport, CT; tel. (203) 222-7733; and Ciatti (California); tel. (415) 458-5150; www.ciatti.com

Earthy aromas and mild funk infiltrate the bouquet, rendering it a step below pure and fresh. The palate on this wine is tight, with acidity poking through to lend crispness to red plum and berry flavors. Tangy on the finish. — (5/1/2013) —84

With good fruit and controlled aromas, it does what young Toro should when done well. Tight in the mouth, with bold black cherry flavors, it bites down with young, big tannins, but it doesn’t burn or grate. Shades of mint and chocolate help it along. ——M.S.(6/1/2010)—— 85