Bodegas Ordonez Triton Tinta de Toro 2017

Robert Parker, Jr. said of Jorge Ordonez, “his legacy in the history of quality wine from Spain is enormous and unequaled by any importer.” But the Wine Spectator may have hit the nail on the head: “Jorge Ordonez is responsible for elevating unheralded regions to international stardom” – finding incredible wines at incredible prices that often put many famous and much more expensive wines to shame. 

Today’s 93-point $20 Tinta de Toro is case in point. While most of Europe’s vineyards were ravished by phylloxera, a few select regions – usually looking more like deserts than vineyards – were spared. It was those ancient vineyard sources that blew Jorge away at first site. Huge, gnarled, trunks burrow deep into the soil to struggle to find enough water to survive for over 100 years. 

That struggle results in tiny berries and consequently enormous concentration of flavor. Today’s 93-point Triton takes that intense style even further than it’s ever been taken before. Jeb Dunnuck raved about it, calling it a rocking and powerful wine loaded with notions of blackcurrants, dark chocolate, and licorice. At $20/btl or $18 when you mix and match a case, this is a screaming good deal. 

A great compliment to outdoor barbeque and grilled meats, or just such an interesting, unique and delicious wine that you might want it slightly chilled in a glass with nothing else. Either way, not to be missed!