Bodega Elías Mora, Toro (Castilla y León, Spain) 2022

 This isn’t priced along the lines of everyone’s idea of an “entry-level” wine, but neither does it taste remotely like a basic offering.  The bouquet is complex and alluring at a very high level of expressiveness right after the cork is pulled, showing gorgeous fruit notes that are mostly red in “tone” but also with some black fruit shading, along with light toasty accents and a lovely spiciness.  All these notes are echoed on the palate, with medium body but a very high ratio of flavor to weight.  It is true — but nevertheless difficult to believe — that this was exposed to 100% new American oak, even if only for 6 months, as the wood notes lend complexity without remotely taking over the wine.  Immensely enjoyable now, with wonderful purity of fruit, this is still a serious wine with a serious future, during which it will improve for at least five years and maybe longer.