2004 Rioja Gran Reserva

Bottled only in 2,693 magnums, the 2004 Gran Reserva is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano and 10% Garnacha from Rioja Alavesa, raised from three years in American and French oak with racking every six months. It has a very intense, scintillating bouquet of kirsch, crushed strawberry and a touch of eau-de-vie. It is very animated and vigorous. The palate is beautifully composed with luscious, red fruit interlaced with dark chocolate and mocha; underpinned by crisp acidity that maintains freshness and poise. It is brutally backward at the moment but should age effortlessly over the next 20-30 years. This is a purring Bentley of a wine! Drink 2014-2030+ CVNE was founded by the Real de Asua brothers in 1879 and has remained family-owned since that time. The historic bodega is located in Haro, and there are three companies under the umbrella: CVNE, Contino and Vina Real. These wines were tasted on two occasions in London, revisiting recent vintages plus older ones to compare. The Vino del Olivo is fermented in large oak vats and undergoes malolactic in new French barrels, where it is matured for 17 months. The Graciano is limited to around 6,000 bottles per vintage and is aged for 15 months in new oak (90% French and 10% Hungarian) and then 12 months in bottle. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com