Eguren Ugarte Reserva 2018

Eguren Ugarte Reserva is made by the family winery of the same name in Laguardia, in Rioja Alavesa. It is built on Tempranillo at around 95 percent with a touch of Graciano, from vines planted in 1965 on soils rich in chalk and clay. These calcareous Alavesa soils sit at altitude on cooler slopes, retaining water through dry summers and lending the freshness and finesse that mark wines made to age. After traditional maceration and fermentation the wine is aged twelve months in American oak followed by two years in bottle before release. American barrels, with their looser grain and higher vanillin, contribute the coconut, vanilla and sweet spice associated with classic Rioja, while slow oxygen exchange through the wood and the long bottle ageing soften tannin and develop savoury, leathery complexity. The colour is mature ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows ripe plum, blackberry and liquorice over vanilla, leather and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with fine, integrated tannin and a long, gently spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, with a short decant. It is a fine match for roast lamb.