Viña Pomal Selección 500 2022

Viña Pomal Selección 500 comes from Bodegas Bilbaínas in the D.O.Ca. Rioja, and takes its name from the bocoyes, barrels of more than 500 litres once used so merchants could ship wine through long ageing periods undisturbed. The wine blends Tempranillo, which gives structure, red fruit and savoury depth, with Garnacha, which adds ripe roundness and warmth. Rioja's continental climate, tempered by Atlantic influence, gives ripe but balanced fruit at 14 per cent alcohol. Ageing runs fifteen months in American oak, whose looser grain and higher lactones lend the classic Rioja signature of vanilla, coconut and sweet spice, while the slow oxygen exchange softens tannins and builds a mellow texture. The colour is a deep red with violet highlights. The nose offers ripe cherry and plum over vanilla, tobacco and a hint of coffee and leather. The palate is medium to full bodied, smooth and rounded, with ripe tannin, fresh acidity and a long, oak-spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted if young. It is built for roast lamb, grilled beef and mature cheeses.