Finca Sobreño
 Toro (Spain)

The Estate
 In the early 90's, a group of Rioja winemakers became interested in Toro, convinced that top class wines could be made from the local Tempranillo clone known as Tinta de Toro. The combination of Rioja know-how, modern technology, strict attention to detail and fine old-vines plantings has led Bodegas Sobreño to almost instant success in Spain and on the international scene. Bodegas Sobreño was founded in 1998. Just 7 years later, Bodegas Sobreño has become one of the best-known wineries in the region.  The winery owns 1,400 barriques (primarily American oak) and boasts a production capacity of 500,000 bottles/year.
The principal winemaking consultant is Manuel Ruiz Hernández, one of Rioja's most respected enologists.

"One of best new estates in Toro; reds show intense fruit." 
- Anthony Dias Blue's pocket guide to wine 2006


Finca Sobreno


Roberto San Ildefonso and his daughter Paloma


Roberto San Ildefonso (left)


The tanks


The cellar

The Vineyards
 Finca Sobreño currently owns 80 hectares (197 acres) of vineyard, of which about half are vines over 30 years old and divided in many small parcels. In addition, the winery controls 155 hectares of independently owned old-vines plots. The vineyards are 100% Tinta de Toro, pruned "en vaso" (bush vines), as well as double cordon Royat in the newer plantings. Soil types are alluvial with a thick clay subsoil, and a mix of sand and gravel. Yields are quite low, averaging about 4,000 kg/hectare.


The vineyards

The Wines
 [CRIANZA] - [SELECCION ESPECIAL] - [ILDEFONSO] - [RESERVA FAMILIAR] 










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#S0EE322013TPM
UPC code: 7 84585 00631 1
2009 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Crianza, 12/750ml
 This Crianza is made from 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) grapes grown on some 50 hectares of vineyards (average age of 30 years) purchased specifically for the Sobreño project. The vines are planted at a very low density (900 plants/hectare), with reduced production levels in the range of 4,000 kilos/hectare. Grapes are hand picked, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for a total of 7 months in American oak barrels.
Intense dark red color. Blackberry, black cherry fruit on the nose, ripe and full flavored.

"The 2009 Finca Sobreno Crianza is a blend from vineyards older than 35 years, aged in American oak for nine months. It has a pretty bouquet of blueberry jam and raspberry that is well-defined. The palate is well-balanced, with a smooth, silky texture, crisp acidity and a citrus, fresh, primal finish. It is a little compact at the moment but should repay a couple of years in bottle. Drink 2014-2020."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue#206, April 2013), 90 pts

"Bright violet color. Smoky perfume of candied cherry and dark berries with a spicy overtone. Pliant and velvety in texture, offering gently sweet cherry and blackberry flavors that put on weight in the glass. Ripe and lively on the powerful finish, showing gentle tannins and persistent sweetness."
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (September 2012), 90 pts
#S0EE322033TPM
UPC code: 7 84585 00631 1
2008 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Crianza, 12/750ml
 This Crianza is made from 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) grapes grown on some 50 hectares of vineyards (average age of 30 years) purchased specifically for the Sobreño project. The vines are planted at a very low density (900 plants/hectare), with reduced production levels in the range of 4,000 kilos/hectare. Grapes are hand picked, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for a total of 7 months in American oak barrels.
 Intense dark red color. Blackberry, black cherry fruit on the nose, ripe and full flavored.

 "Finca Sobreno’s Crianza has been a perennial Best Buy in these pages and the 2008 is no exception. Made from 100% Tinta de Toro and aged for 7 months in American oak, this purple/black colored wine offers up a slightly restrained nose of cedar, violets, licorice, and blackberry. Ripe and layered on the palate, this powerful effort will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2020."
 - Wine Advocate (June 2011), 89+ pts BEST BUY

"Aromas of chocolate strawberries and vanilla cupcakes with a silky fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a juicy, cedar, cracked pepper and spice accented finish. A vibrant, flavorful wine that is sure to please."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 89 pts

WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Silver Medal

 "Bright ruby. Pungent aromas of red fruits, rose and fresh herbs. Slightly tart-edged, but the bright floral and red berry flavors show good intensity and focus. Turns softer and suppler with air and finishes with good clarity and lingering spiciness."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Sept/Oct 2011), 88 pts

#S0EE322004TPM
UPC code: 7 84585 00631 1
2007 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Crianza, 12/750ml
 This Crianza is made from 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) grapes grown on some 50 hectares of vineyards (average age of 30 years) purchased specifically for the Sobreño project. The vines are planted at a very low density (900 plants/hectare), with reduced production levels in the range of 4,000 kilos/hectare. Grapes are hand picked, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for a total of 7 months in American oak barrels.
Intense dark red color. Blackberry, black cherry fruit on the nose, ripe and full flavored.

 "Finca Sobreno’s 2007 Crianza is 100% Tinta de Toro aged for 7 months in American oak. Purple-colored, it displays an impressive perfume of cedar, mineral, espresso, violets, and blackberry. Dense and structured on the palate, this burly effort has loads of flavor, plenty of structure, and 4-5 years of aging potential. It is an outstanding value in serious red wine. Drink it from 2014 to 2022 if not longer."
- Wine Advocate (April 2010), 90 pts BEST BUY
#S0EE322001TPM
UPC code: 7 84585 00631 1
 2005 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Crianza, 12/750ml
This Crianza is made from 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) grapes grown on some 50 hectares of vineyards (average age of 30 years) purchased specifically for the Sobreño project. The vines are planted at a very low density (900 plants/hectare), with reduced production levels in the range of 4,000 kilos/hectare. Grapes are hand picked, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for a total of 7 months in American oak barrels.

"100 percent Tinta de Toro from 30-year-old vines planted at very low density. The wine is aged in American oak for 7 months. Ruby opaque color with ripe red and black plum aromas. Ripe and lush in the mouth with delicious plum fruit and generous oak on the mid-palate and finishing with nice gripping tannins."
- International Wine Review (Jan. 2008), 89 pts

 "Finca Sobreno’s 2005 Crianza is 100% Tinta de Toro aged for 7 months in American oak. Dark crimson-colored, it offers an enticing bouquet of cedar, mineral, blackberry, and floral notes. This leads to a ripe, supple, full-flavored, spicy wine with excellent depth and balance. Although designed and priced to be consumed in its youth, it will evolve for several years. It is an outstanding value"
- Wine Advocate (Issue 175, Feb 08), 90 pts



National Retail Price: $18.99 / bottle



























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#S0EE32200-TPM
UPC code: 8 39061 00001 4
2009 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva, Selección Especial 6/750ml
This wine is 100% Tinta de Toro from selected old-vines plots and aged during 14 months in American oak.
Production: 8,500 cases/year.
Deep dark cherry red color with dark purple tones. Powerful yet elegant nose, refined and stylish with ripe berry fruit, spicy complexity with scents of clove, sandalwood, vanilla, chocolate. Muscular, elegant yet silky smooth taste shows fruit preserves/jam blackberry and chocolate truffle. Concentrated and rich but not sweet with superb length. A good match for venison or wild boar with a fruit-based sauce.
"The 2009 Finca Sobreno Reserva – Seleccion Especiale is a blend of the estate’s best vineyard (over 50 years in age) and sees half the fruit aged in 14 months in new American oak, the remainder in used oak. It has a lifted floral bouquet of dark berries, briary and dried violets that is well-defined and seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent entry of dark cherries, balsamic, a hint of orange peel and cloves. There is good structure and focus present here, with a clean fresh, focused finish. It is very fine and very elegant for a Toro red. Drink now-2019+"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue#206, April 2013), 93 pts

#S0EE322006TPM
UPC code: 8 39061 00001 4
2008 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva, Selección Especial 6/750ml
This wine is 100% Tinta de Toro from selected old-vines plots and aged during 14 months in American oak.
Production: 8,500 cases/year.
Deep dark cherry red color with dark purple tones. Powerful yet elegant nose, refined and stylish with ripe berry fruit, spicy complexity with scents of clove, sandalwood, vanilla, chocolate. Muscular, elegant yet silky smooth taste shows fruit preserves/jam blackberry and chocolate truffle. Concentrated and rich but not sweet with superb length. A good match for venison or wild boar with a fruit-based sauce.

"Opaque ruby. Exotic aromas of cherry-cola, blackberry preserves, vanilla and potpourri. Weighty red and dark berry flavors are sweetened by vanillin oak and sharpened by cracked pepper and spice. The cola and floral notes build with air and carry through a long, sweet, quietly tannic finish. "
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (September 2012), 91 pts
#S0EE322005TPM
UPC code: 8 39061 00001 4
2006 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva, Selección Especial 6/750ml
This wine is 100% Tinta de Toro from selected old-vines plots and aged during 14 months in American oak.
Production: 8,500 cases/year.
Deep dark cherry red color with dark purple tones. Powerful yet elegant nose, refined and stylish with ripe berry fruit, spicy complexity with scents of clove, sandalwood, vanilla, chocolate. Muscular, elegant yet silky smooth taste shows fruit preserves/jam blackberry and chocolate truffle. Concentrated and rich but not sweet with superb length. A good match for venison or wild boar with a fruit-based sauce.

#S0EE322012TPM
UPC code: 8 39061 00001 4
2005 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva, Selección Especial 6/750ml
This wine is 100% Tinta de Toro from selected old-vines plots and aged during 14 months in American oak.
Production: 8,500 cases/year.
Deep dark cherry red color with dark purple tones. Powerful yet elegant nose, refined and stylish with ripe berry fruit, spicy complexity with scents of clove, sandalwood, vanilla, chocolate. Muscular, elegant yet silky smooth taste shows fruit preserves/jam blackberry and chocolate truffle. Concentrated and rich but not sweet with superb length. A good match for venison or wild boar with a fruit-based sauce.

"The 2005 Reserva Seleccion Especial is 100% Tinta de Toro selected from older vines and aged for 14 months in American oak. Purple-colored, it displays an expressive aromatic array of cedar, Asian spices, lavender, espresso, licorice, and blackberry. This leads to a complex, structured, broad-shouldered wine with outstanding volume, intense flavors, and 5-7 years of aging potential. It will be at its best from 2015 to 2025."
 - Wine Advocate (April 2010), 91 pts

2004 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva, Selección Especial 6/750ml
"This purple-colored wine is 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) from the estate’s older vines aged for 14 months in American oak. It exhibits an attractive perfume of sandalwood, pencil lead, clove, vanilla, blackberry, and black cherry. This leads to a full bodied, ripe, concentrated wine with layers of fruit, savory flavors, enough structure to evolve for 3-4 years, and a lengthy finish. It will profit from additional cellaring and will be at its finest from 2012 to 2024."
- Wine Advocate (June 09), 92 pts

2003 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva, Selección Especial 6/750ml
"The 2003 Seleccion Especial is 100% Tinta de Toro aged for 14 months in American oak. Purple-colored, the nose offers up notes of clove, sandalwood, cedar, mineral, and blackberry. On the palate, notes of chocolate and coffee emerge. Sweetly-fruited, well-balanced, and satisfying, it will evolve for 4-6 years and be at its best between 2012 and 2020."
- Wine Advocate (Issue 175, Feb 08), 92 pts

2001 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva, Selección Especial 6/750ml
"Ruby-red. Expansive, oak-accented blueberry and creme de cassis aromas display powerful vanilla, bourbon and cured tobacco nuances. The velvety dark berry flavors verge on liqueur-like but are firmed by juicy acidity and braced by firm tannins. Sweetness builds on the long, sappy finish, as do strong baking spice qualities."
- International Wine Cellar (July/Aug 2007), 90 pts
National Retail Price: $34.95 / bottle


High Quality Label
Bottle Shot
2009 vintage: Sell Sheet

















 #S0EE322014TPM
UPC code: 7 84585 01528 3
2009 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Ildefonso 12/750ml
 Made from 100% Tinta de Toro
Very Old Vines (Minimum 80 years of age)
Aged in 100% new French Oak Barrels for 18 months + 12 months in the bottle

The Harvest: This year we had low rain falls getting very healthy bunches. Besides, cool nights and not very hot days at the end of the cycle were excellent for a complete ripening of the grapes, full of nuances.
 Vinification: The fruit is manually selected and picked in small cases. After destemming the grapes are stored in 2.000 liter open fermenter tanks and cold maceration at 8ºC during 8 days. Three times a day the cap of the skins is submerged manually (pigeage) and after the alcoholic fermentation is finished at a controlled temperature, the wine is macerated until the wine maker determines the appropriate extraction polyphenols. The malolactic fermentation is carried out in new French oak barrels
Ageing: It takes place in the same barrels for 18 months racking every 6 months.
TASTING NOTES
Color: Deep cherry color
Nose: Very expressive, elegant and complex with ripe fruit, mineral notes, sweet spices, chocolate aromas and intense toasts.
Taste: Powerful, tasty, round and very smooth. We find again black berries, mineral notes, chocolates with roasted aromas. Very long after taste.
Food Pairing: Ideal for red meats, lamb, roasted meat and strong cheeses


"The 2009 Finca Sobreno Ildefonso is pure Tinto de Toro, a blend from two parcels of 80-year-old vines. It sees 18 months in new French oak. It has a gorgeous, marmalade-scented bouquet with hints of blueberry and black olive tapenade that are very well-defined. The palate is full-bodied with ripe, supple tannins and layers of spicy red fruit interwoven with marmalade, clove, white pepper and bay. It is very well-balanced, powerful but not over-powering, and should age well over the next decade. Drink 2014-2025."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue#206, April 2013), 92 pts

National Retail Price: $49.95 / bottle


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shelf talker

#S0EE322009TPM
UPC code: 7 84585 00894 0
2004 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva Familiar 3/750ml
 Made from 100% Tinta de Toro (+60 year old vines).
Remontage (pumping over) and batonnage (stirring of the lees in the barrel) twice a day, fermentation with amaximun temperature of  28ºC. Malolactic fermentation in American oak barrels.
Aged in new American oak for 14 months. Egg fining. Slight filtration, no cold stabilization.
Deep cherry color. Aromas of good intensity dominated with fruits (blackberry, black plums) and a touch of vanilla.. Medium bodied, good acidity, good concentration and well integrated tannins.
#S0EE32232
UPC code: 7 84585 00894 0
2003 Finca Sobreño, Toro, Reserva Familiar 3/750ml
 Made from 100% Tinta de Toro (+60 year old vines).
Remontage (pumping over) and batonnage (stirring of the lees in the barrel) twice a day, fermentation with amaximun temperature of  28ºC. Malolactic fermentation in American oak barrels.
Aged in new American oak for 14 months. Egg fining. Slight filtration, no cold stabilization.
Deep cherry color. Aromas of good intensity dominated with fruits (blackberry, black plums) and a touch of vanilla.. Medium bodied, good acidity, good concentration and well integrated tannins.

"The expensive 2003 Reserva Seleccion de la Familia comes from older vines (60+ years) and is aged 14 months in new American oak. It is a powerful, deeply colored wine, but is currently a bit disjointed. The full tannin makes for a hard impression on the palate and shortens the finish. There is excellent material so this big wine could come together but that is a gamble. Imported by Kysela Père et Fils, LTD." - Wine Advocate (issue 169), 89 pts
National Retail Price: $76.95 / bottle