Hacienda Lopez de Haro Gran Reserva 2016

Hacienda López de Haro Gran Reserva is made by Bodega Classica in the Rioja, a producer working to a brief of classic contemporary wines that pair traditional methods with a modern hand. This is the inaugural vintage of the Gran Reserva, blending Tempranillo with Graciano from old low-yielding vines, the Graciano adding colour, acidity and a peppery savoury edge to the Tempranillo. The old vines crop little, concentrating flavour, while the calcareous-clay soils of the Rioja hold the acidity needed for long ageing. After fermentation and malolactic conversion the wine spends thirty months in French and American oak barrels, an extended oxidative ageing that resolves the tannins and develops the tertiary coffee, leather and balsamic character that marks a mature Gran Reserva, before further time in bottle ahead of release. It pours a deep ruby moving to garnet at the rim. The nose is intense and genuine, with ripe red and dark fruit woven through coffee, vanilla and a balsamic note. The palate is full but supple, with fine resolved tannins, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. It suits roast lamb and aged cheese.