200 Monges Gran Reserva 2010

200 Monges Gran Reserva is made by Vinícola Real at Albelda de Iregua in Rioja, from a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha grown on vineyards averaging more than 45 years of age. The fruit is picked by hand into small 15 kilogram boxes to keep it intact, then fermented over 13 days in French Allier oak vats. As a Gran Reserva from the 2010 vintage, it has had extended ageing, with 24 months in French and American oak barrels and a long period in bottle before release. The old vines give low yields and concentrated, structured fruit, while the prolonged oak ageing softens the tannins through slow oxidative development and builds tertiary character, layering leather, spice and tobacco onto the original cherry fruit. Graciano contributes acidity and aromatic lift that keep the mature wine fresh. The wine is medium ruby with a garnet rim, showing dried cherry, prune, leather, tobacco, sweet spice and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is medium to full bodied at 13.5 percent, mellow and savoury, with resolved tannin and a long, earthy finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting to lift the aromatics. It suits roast lamb and game.