Torres, Penedes (Catalonia, Spain) 2010

Rumor has it that, “It is good to be the King,” and I don’t doubt that’s true, but maybe better still to be vintner for the King.  I’m told that this was first made in 1995 to commemorate HM Juan Carlos’ visit to mark the 125th anniversary of the Torres house.  Sourced from rare Silurian slate soils on a small estate, it is the best wine I’ve ever tasted from Torres — and I first visited here 19 years ago.  Blended from classic Bordeaux components of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it displays impressively dark color and deep pigment concentration, and the flavors follow suit, with dark-toned fruit character edged by ultra high-class oak and very fine tannins.  Fruit, oak and tannin and acidity are perfectly proportioned, and I don’t throw around the word “perfectly” easily or often.  Open and delicious now, even without accompanying food, this is still deceptively young, and its fresh acidity will enable it to develop additional complexities for another decade.  Made in very small quantities (2,277 bottles, to be precise), this will be difficult to afford and perhaps even more difficult to find, but it is an object lesson in the greatness that can be achieved by this famous house.  The King was there for a day, but the wine is still there… so again, good to be vintner for the King.