Tasting notes:

Founded in 1647, Bodegas Chivite is oneof the very old family dynasties in Spain.Originally established in Navarra,nowadays it also has vineyards in Rioja,Rueda and Ribera del Duero. TheColección 125 range, first released in1985, commemorates the first exportingof Chivite wines in 1860. This wine is verydeep ruby-purple in colour, and showsripe cherries and brambles, accented byspicy wood, dark chocolate and hints ofdamp moss adding interest. Dry, butsweet-fruited and warming, the palate isrich and full, tempered by fresh acidityand grippy tannins. A big wine with goodlength, it requires a strong dish, perhapsvenison braised with beetroot, parsnipsand carrots, and spicy red cabbagecooked with apple and raisins on the side.(Patricia Stefanowicz MW)