Viña Pomal Reserva 2019

Viña Pomal Reserva is a traditional Rioja red from Bodegas Bilbaínas in Haro, made entirely from Tempranillo grown at Finca Pomal, the estate's 90 hectare vineyard a few kilometres from town. Haro sits in Rioja Alta, where the cool, Atlantic-influenced climate and a wide day to night temperature swing slow ripening and preserve the acidity and freshness that mark the classic style. The clay limestone soils give Tempranillo its structure and capacity to age. As a Reserva, the wine spends eighteen months in American oak followed by twenty-four months in bottle, the American oak lending the coconut, vanilla and dill that define old-school Rioja while the long ageing softens the tannin into a rounder, more savoury texture. Malolactic fermentation rounds the acidity. It is deep cherry red with a garnet rim, showing aromas of ripe red and black fruit, vanilla, sweet spice and a balsamic, leathery note from age. The palate is medium to full bodied and smooth, with fine tannin, fresh acidity and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It pairs with roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheese.