Hermanos Hernáiz Las Cenizas 2022

Las Cenizas is produced by Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz at Finca La Emperatriz in Baños de Rioja, in Rioja Alta. The Hernáiz family have owned the more than one hundred hectare estate since 1996 and renamed the business to take advantage of the council's single vineyard classification introduced from the 2017 harvest. The grape is Tempranillo, grown on the estate's clay and limestone soils under the Atlantic influenced climate of the upper Ebro, where cool nights hold acidity and slow ripening. At 14.2 percent this is a ripe, full vintage. Ageing runs to thirteen months in French oak barrels, which favour finer grained tannin and subtle spice over the sweeter, more obvious notes of American oak, while slow oxygen transfer through the wood softens the structure and stabilises the colour. The wine is deep cherry red. The nose combines ripe cherry and plum with vanilla, clove and a developing leather and earth character. The palate is full and structured, with firm but polished tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a large red glass. It suits roast and grilled red meats and mature cheeses.