Bodega Numanthia is a premium estate in Toro, northwest Spain. Although it is run independently, it is part of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy group. Small plots of ancient vines, between 50 & 120 years old, give winemaker Manuel Louzada the wherewithal to make some of the regions top wines. The Tinta del Toro grape, closely related to Tempranillo, is coveted for its intensity of flavour. These gnarled old vines are extremely hardy & so can withstand fierce summers & freezing winters. Barrel-aged Numanthia regularly receives scores in the mid 90s from both Wine Advocate & Wine Spectator. Incredibly dense & aromatic, beautifully balanced & velvety, its a fine wine to decant & serve with prime cuts of beef or roast lamb.