CVNE, Viña Real Rioja Gran Reserva, 2018

"The classical red 2018 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial (this year, it has the word Especial on the label) was produced with grapes from their own vineyards in the villages of Laguardia and Labastida in search of a gastronomical wine that is supple and complex. In 2018, the wine has a little more acidity even if the grapes were picked between October 1 and 26. It’s mostly Tempranillo with 5% Graciano, moved by gravity. It matured in barrels for 24 months to qualify for the category. [...]. It’s serious and a little closed at first, nuanced and subtle. It closes the classical range at Viña Real where they have now added more modern wines, Bakeder and La Virgen. It has more finesse and might be a little lighter, with no exuberance. I sometimes like austerity… 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2021."

"Bay leaf, quince, sandalwood, new leather, cassis and tapenade aromas with a floral touch. Intense and compact, but nothing heavy. Firm, structured tannins and a long, creamy finish extended by some wood spices. Drink from 2025."

"The 2018 Gran Reserva is 95% Tempranillo and a 5% dash of Graciano, sourced from Rioja Alavesa and aged for 24 months in new and used French oak barrels. Displaying a garnet color, the aromas encompass herbal and balsamic notes, accompanied by red fruits and layers of oak—all balanced, all appealing. Initially dry and fairly rich, it transforms into a chalky, compact, modestly concentrated mouthfeel, with a garrigue-like, lasting finish. This is a classic red from a textbook year that will calibrate your palate to the possibilities Rioja has to offer."