Grape Variety: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha Tinta & Graciano

Growing Region: Rioja, Spain

Consultant Winemaker: Michel Rolland

TASTING NOTE:
I had the pleasure of visiting the winery in Rioja last year in September 2008, during vintage. Driving across the country from Barcelona, you quickly develop an understanding of why the wines taste the way that they do, with the hot sun beating down on the dry landscape creating these vibrant red wines that connect and compliment the local culture and cuisine from this part of the world. This Crianza 'red' wine was aged in oak barrels for 12 months and then in bottle for at least 14 months, depending on the date of release.

In the glass you have an attractive, bright ruby red colour. Then with subtle confidence you have a refined bouquet of black cherries and blackberries with a soft touch of aromatic Mediterranean herbs. The palate is lusciously fresh and fruity in the mouth where rich fruit - cherries, strawberries and raspberries and notes of cinnamon mingle to give a pleasant fullness with a backbone of silky-smooth tannins, and a long-lasting, unctuous finish. Note serve this wine at approx 16-18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well now and will be enjoyable over the next 2-3 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine accompaniment to Mediterranean cuisine, grilled vegetables, paella and other rice dishes, pasta, fish in tomato sauce, ham, chorizo, beef and cheese, enjoy.

87 points, Wine Spectator.