Numanthia Termanthia Toro 2014

Numanthia Termanthia Toro 2014 is a full-bodied Spanish red wine from Toro, bottled at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Rated 94 points by Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) and 92 points by Wine Spectator, this expression represents one of the final vintages produced under Bodega Numanthia's distinctive 200% new French oak aging regimen — a practice the estate discontinued after the 2014 harvest.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Toro, Castilla y León, Spain  |  Vintage: 2014  |  Producer: Bodega Numanthia

Production & Heritage

Bodega Numanthia draws its fruit from pre-phylloxera, ungrafted Tinta de Toro vines estimated at roughly 120 years old — among the oldest surviving Tempranillo plantings in Spain. The 2014 Termanthia is composed of 100% Tinta de Toro and was aged using what the estate termed "200% new French oak": after an initial maturation period in new French oak barrels, the wine was racked into a second set of unused new oak barrels. This intensive oak protocol, which Numanthia abandoned starting with the 2015 vintage, gives the 2014 a singular structural profile that distinguishes it from all subsequent Termanthia releases.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with intense, captivating layers of black currant and cassis, followed by violet and dark floral tones. Secondary notes of clove, nutmeg, tobacco leaf, and fresh herbal accents of thyme and rosemary emerge with time in the glass.

Taste: The entry is full and generous, with a lush, teeth-staining concentration of crushed black cherry and blackberry. The mid-palate delivers expressive waves of espresso, dark chocolate, oak spice, wild herb, and loamy earth, held together by abundant yet round tannins. Despite its power, the wine carries a surprising delicacy and polish across its layers.

Finish: Long and chewy, with walnut undertones, lingering dark chocolate, and a persistent mineral-earth signature. The tannins maintain their grip through the close while the fruit slowly recedes into warm spice.

How to Drink Termanthia 2014

This wine is best served neat in a large Bordeaux-style glass at 60–65°F, with at least an hour of decanting to allow its dense structure to open fully. A Sangria Negra built on Termanthia's dark fruit intensity and herbal depth makes a dramatic large-format serve. Its espresso and chocolate character works in a Kalimotxo reimagined with artisanal cola and a citrus twist for a Basque-inspired aperitif. For a winter warmer, the wine's spice profile anchors a Spanish mulled wine (vino caliente) with cinnamon, star anise, and orange peel.

Best For

• Cellaring as a collectible example of the last 200% new-oak Termanthia vintage
• Gifting a serious Spanish wine enthusiast who values old-vine provenance
• Anchoring a tasting flight of Toro Tinta de Toro alongside other top-tier producers
• Pairing with a formal dinner centered on grilled red meats or slow-braised dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Termanthia 2014 taste like? Termanthia 2014 delivers concentrated black cherry and blackberry fruit layered with espresso, dark chocolate, oak spice, wild herbs, and loamy earth, all supported by full body, chewy tannins, and a long finish.

How does Termanthia 2014 compare to standard Numanthia? Termanthia is Bodega Numanthia's flagship cuvée sourced from the estate's oldest ungrafted vines, while the standard Numanthia bottling draws from younger (though still old) plantings; Termanthia also sees more intensive oak treatment and typically achieves higher critical scores, with the 2014 earning 94 points from Wine Advocate versus scores generally in the low-to-mid 90s for the regular Numanthia.

Is Termanthia 2014 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its complexity, concentration, and layered tannin structure reward unhurried sipping, ideally after a generous decant to let the wine's aromatic depth fully emerge.

Where is Termanthia made? Termanthia is produced by Bodega Numanthia in the Toro denomination of origin, located in the Castilla y León region of northwestern Spain, an area known for its extreme continental climate and ancient Tinta de Toro vineyards.

What foods pair well with Termanthia 2014? Grilled Ibérico pork secreto complements the wine's smoky oak and dark fruit. Slow-braised lamb shoulder with rosemary echoes its herbal aromatics. Aged Manchego or Zamorano cheese matches the wine's tannic structure. Dark chocolate desserts harmonize with its espresso and cacao finish. Charcoal-grilled beef rib eye stands up to the wine's power and concentration.

What sizes does Termanthia 2014 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Termanthia 2014 worth the price? Termanthia positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier of Spanish red wine, and the 2014 vintage carries added collector interest as one of the last produced under the estate's now-discontinued 200% new French oak aging protocol, which — combined with 94 points from Wine Advocate — supports its standing among Spain's most serious Tempranillo bottlings.

Why Termanthia 2014?

The 2014 vintage holds a unique place in the Termanthia lineage: it is among the final expressions made with the estate's signature 200% new French oak aging, a method Bodega Numanthia retired after this harvest. The fruit comes from 120-year-old ungrafted Tinta de Toro vines that survived phylloxera — a viticultural rarity that imparts a depth and concentration younger plantings simply cannot replicate. A 94-point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate confirms the vintage's quality, while the shift in winemaking philosophy from 2015 onward makes the 2014 an unrepeatable snapshot of a particular style. For collectors and enthusiasts tracking the evolution of top Toro wines, this bottle marks the definitive end of an era.