Rioja Reserva Única 2018, Viñedos Sierra Cantabria

This is an outstanding Rioja Reserva, from vines at least thirty years old, growing around the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra: 97% Tempranillo with a seasoning of Graciano. More French than American oak is used for the ageing, and only 30% of the barrels are first-fill, meaning that the initial – and enduring – impression of the wine is of the wonderfully expressive, lifted, aromatic fruit. The barrels simply serve to round out the texture and add complexity to the wine, their flavour never dominates.