Tasting notes:

Made from old vines in Rioja Alta, this wine is exemplary as a typical, ‘classic’ Reserva with 18 months in American oak and a few years’ bottle age. Deep ruby-hued, the flavours of black cherry and bramble suggest at least a little Graciano and Mazuelo augmenting Tempranillo. Dry and mid-weight, the palate is well-balanced, showing brisk acidity and silky tannins. Plenty of interest from smoke and cream, black pepper and a floral lift, the wine has a savoury, lingering finish and will match nicely with risotto and well-aged wild boar. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)