Hacienda Lopez de Haro Gran Reserva (75cl, 13.5%)

A Rioja Alta Gran Reserva red wine from Bodega Classica, blending Tempranillo with a proportion of Graciano. The fruit comes from old, low-yielding vineyards on the poor, stony soils of the Ebro river terraces around San Vicente de la Sonsierra, and the wine ages for 30 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by at least three years of bottle maturation. The nose opens with ripe dark cherries and currants, then coffee, vanilla and roasted notes, with balsamic nuances, wet earth, leather and dark walnut shell. The palate is fruit-forward with spiced plum and dark cherry, earthy mocha-tinged weight, firm chalky tannins and vivid acidity. The finish is medium-long, slightly smoky and roasted, with dark earth and dried fruit.