TELMO RODRIGUEZ GAGO 2018 (SPAIN)

SCORE: 92 PRICE: $31.95

Branching out from his home in Rioja, winemaker Telmo Rodriguez has taken to producing wine in other parts of Spain, including this exceptional red wine produced from indigenous tinta de toro (a.k.a. tempranillo) grapes grown in Toro. Gago is the second label produced at the Toro operation. It’s an exciting red wine, with a juicy fruit character centred on a core of sweet cherry and plum flavours. That concentrated fruit is nicely supported by smoke, pepper and earthy notes, and balanced by fresh acidity. Drink now to 2026. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta (2016 vintage), $40 in Nova Scotia.