1971 Torres Gran Coronas Reserva

BY NEAL MARTIN | APRIL 10, 2023

A Spanish rarity, the 1971 Gran Coronas Reserva from Torres was one of several splendid bottles proffered at a recent dinner The Harwood Arms. For obvious reasons, this cuvée was known as Torres’s “black label” and debuted a year earlier. It’s mainly Cabernet Sauvignon augmented by Tempranillo from young vines planted in the Penedes region. At over half a century old, this bottle testified its longevity – still going strong. The bouquet seems to whisk you directly to those vines in Spain, with notes of black plum mixed with dark chocolate, espresso, leather and just a hint of Christmas cake. The aromatics remain vital and pleasurable. The palate shows a little more of its age, but there is real substance and gentle grip. There is a pleasant plumpness to the dark chocolate, black fruit, sage and meat juice flavors. The 1971 is not going to get better, nor can I envisage it falling apart any time soon. 90/Drink 2023-2040.

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