Appearance: Intense cherry red colour with little colour change towards the rim.

Nose: Aromas of dark cherry, oak, vanilla, leather and wax.

Taste: Flavors of cherry, vanilla, oak, raspberry, chocolate, spice and some smoke. Fairly full-bodied, dry, smooth with fine tannins.

Finish: A fairly long finish.

Food pairings: Iberian cured ham, cured Spanish meats, red meat, game and duck dishes. A mellow wine to accompany lunches and dinners.

About the producer: This long-established family Bodega lies in the village of Villabuena, drawing from vineyard plantings on the limestone ridges of Rioja Alavesa. It is based on the same principle as a good French Château which is to use fruit only from their vineyards, set rigorous standards in the cellars and, following fermentation in stainless steel, age the wine in oak part of which is renewed each year. The wines have elegance and pungency combined with the soft spicy allure that only well-made Tempranillo can offer.