Viña Bosconia Reserva 2015

Viña Bosconia Reserva comes from Viña Tondonia, a historic Rioja house founded in the nineteenth century and the first winery of the DOCa, working from the Barrio de la Estación in Haro at the heart of Rioja Alta. It is a blend of Tempranillo with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, grown in one of the region's most renowned cool, high enclaves where the long growing season preserves acidity and aromatic detail. The house follows an exceptionally traditional method, and this Reserva is aged sixty months in American oak barrels before release, an unusually long élevage. Over five years in cask, slow oxygen exchange and gentle evaporation soften the tannins almost completely and develop the mature, savoury character of classic Rioja, layering leather, tobacco, dried herbs and a nutty edge over the fruit. The colour shows a clear brick rim. The nose is deep and complex, with red fruits such as cherry and raspberry over leather, tobacco, sweet spice and walnut, while the palate is medium bodied, silky and savoury with fully integrated oak. The finish is long, fine and elegant at 13.5 percent alcohol. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted. It suits roast lamb, game and mushroom dishes.