La Vicalanda Gran Reserva 2017

Bodegas Bilbainas makes La Vicalanda Gran Reserva from one hundred percent Tempranillo grown around Haro, a town at the heart of Rioja Alta with deep roots in wine. The vineyards sit where Atlantic and continental climates meet, the cool ocean influence stretching the growing season so the fruit ripens slowly and keeps its acidity. The soils are calcareous, gravelly and low in organic matter, conditions that restrict vigour and concentrate flavour in the grapes. This is a Gran Reserva, the most demanding Rioja category, and the wine ages 24 months in French and Allier oak before further time in bottle. That long barrel ageing rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and, with bottle development, brings the leather, tobacco and dried flower notes of mature Rioja. It pours a garnet red, with aromas of ripe black fruit and violet over leather, sweet spice and vanilla. The palate is medium to full bodied and elegant, with soft tannin, bright acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanting briefly to open it up. It suits roast lamb and game.