2019 Rioja Calvario

The 2019 Calvario reveals abundant notes of sweet spices, such as vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, a mixture of black berry fruit, aromatic herbs and an earthy touch that is reminiscent of truffles and decayed leaves. July was warm and rainy, which presented some challenges, but the grapes finally ripened thoroughly, despite which the wine kept 14% alcohol, which seems to be the new aim rather than the 14.5% in the past. It's mostly Tempranillo with some 8% Garnacha and 2% Graciano that aged in new barriques for 18 months. The oak is still a little noticeable, but it should be better integrated if you wait a bit before pulling the cork. It was bottled in September 2021.