Cune Gran Reserva 2018

Cune Gran Reserva is made by CVNE, the family firm founded in 1879 beside the Haro station in Rioja Alta. The fruit is handpicked from vineyards on the higher, cooler ground of the appellation, where clay-limestone soils hold water through a dry continental summer and the wide day-to-night temperature swing slows ripening, fixing acidity and aromatic depth in Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. The blend spends 24 months in French and American oak followed by 36 months in bottle before release. That long, slow oxygen exchange through the barrel staves softens the tannins and turns primary fruit into the savoury, tertiary character a Gran Reserva is built for, while American oak adds vanilla and coconut and French oak a firmer, spicier frame. The colour is deep ruby with a garnet rim. The nose carries ripe cherry and plum over leather, tobacco and dried herbs, with vanilla and sweet spice from the wood. The palate is medium to full, the tannins fine and resolved, the finish long and earthy. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead, with roast lamb, grilled red meat or aged sheep's cheese.