Ramón Bilbao Gran Reserva 2016

Ramón Bilbao is based in Haro, the historic heart of Rioja Alta and home to more wineries than anywhere else in Spain. This Gran Reserva is built largely on Tempranillo, with small additions of Graciano and Garnacha, from plots in and around Haro where calcareous clay soils and a cool, Atlantic-influenced continental climate hold ripeness in check and protect acidity. Only the best vintages are declared at this level, and the wine follows the long Gran Reserva path: thirty-six months in American oak barrels followed by extended time in bottle before release. American oak gives a sweeter, more vanilla and coconut-led spice than French, while the slow oxygen exchange over three years softens the tannins and builds tertiary leather, tobacco and toffee notes. The colour shows a maturing ruby with a garnet rim, and the nose layers ripe plum and cherry with nougat, cocoa and sweet oak. The palate is smooth and savoury, with mellow tannins, balanced acidity and a long, spiced finish carrying the development of age. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting ahead, with roast lamb, game and mature cheeses.