Eterea Kripan Phincas 2021

David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman founded Bodegas Bhilar in 2016 at Elvillar in Rioja Alavesa, working old vineyards organically and studying soil, exposure and altitude plot by plot. This blend leads on Tempranillo with Graciano, Garnacha and a touch of white Viura. The Alavesa sits on poor calcareous clay over limestone bedrock at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, which holds water and moderates the vine through dry summers while giving the wine a stony backbone. Graciano adds dark colour, acidity and pepper, and the small share of Viura co-fermented with the reds can lift aromatics and stabilise colour. The wine ages 18 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen ingress polishes the tannin and adds spice and a light vanilla frame without masking the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows dark plum, red currant, liquorice and black pepper over a savoury, earthy base. The palate is full and structured, with firm fine tannin, fresh acidity and a long mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted for an hour. It suits roast lamb and aged cheese.