Consistent with the character of the warm year, the 2011 Tares P3 showed very ripe fruit and some spiciness and earthy sensations. The palate revealed abundant, grainy and slightly drying tannins. It needs powerful food, and it's destined for those who are tolerant and fans of oaky reds. 3,000 bottles produced.

My favorite in the current portfolio is the 2010 Tares P3, very old Mencía from mountain vineyards in the village of Valtuille de Arriba which fermented in a French oak vat and two 600-liter rotating vats and aged for 15 months in brand new French oak barrels. It has a fragrant nose combining aromas of violets and wild berries with plenty of spices and hints of smoke, coming through as poised and approachable. The palate shows well-integrated oak flavors intermixed with the fruit and certain austerity, but with a finish where the dry tannins make an appearance that detracts from its drinkability. Some vintages and especial grapes can take this new oak treatment, but not many. Enjoy with powerful food or give it some more bottle time. 3,000 bottles.

The 2009 Tares P3 is the single vineyard from the winery, sourced from 60- to 100-year-old Mencia grapes grown on clay-chalky soils with a high content of slate and is limited to 5,000 bottles. The wine is aged for 17 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The quality of the grapes is superb here, and the wine manages to handle the oak regime, showing both the black fruit and the oak quite well integrated. In any case, the wine needs a few more years in bottle. Drink 2016-2020. Dominio de Tares was created at the turn of the century by a group of investors aiming at creating fresh, Atlantic reds from the old Mencia vineyards from Bierzo. Imported by Opici Wines , www.opiciwines.com

Polished and harmonious, this rich red delivers plum, licorice, mineral, wild herb and toasty flavors supported by firm, well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity. Floral and spice notes linger on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 350 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Bierzo Select to Add

The 2008 Tares P3 feels fresher than the 2009, with brighter fruit and better integration of the oak. The palate has a warm feeling and the tannins are smoother. Drink 2014-2020. Dominio de Tares was created at the turn of the century by a group of investors aiming at creating fresh, Atlantic reds from the old Mencia vineyards from Bierzo. Imported by Opici Wines , www.opiciwines.com