Gómez Cruzado Cerro Las Cuevas 2023

Gómez Cruzado is one of the founding houses of Haro's Barrio de la Estación, the railway district that became the centre of Rioja's wine trade. Cerro Las Cuevas draws on Tempranillo led by a supporting cast of Graciano, Garnacha Tinta and Mazuelo, each adding a different dimension. The vineyards lie on the diverse soils that define this part of Rioja, where Tertiary clay and limestone retain moisture and give the wine its depth and grip. Graciano contributes acidity and floral aromatics, Garnacha brings warmth and red fruit, and Mazuelo adds colour and tannic backbone. At 15 percent alcohol the wine is ripe and full, and twelve months in oak barrels rounds the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange while adding vanilla and toast. The colour is deep ruby. The nose offers ripe plum and red berries with black pepper, dark chocolate, leather and liquorice. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm tannins, balancing acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant for an hour. It is built for roast and grilled red meats.