Urbina Gran Reserva Especial Rioja 2004

Urbina Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja, Spain, 2004 

Grapes: Predominantly Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo from vineyards in the Rioja Alta. Aged for 30 months in a combination of French & American oak barrels.

Complexity on the nose, splendid maturity, mineral aromas, ripe fruits, figs, cherries and plums, tomato and dried apricot jam, cigar box, cherry blossom, harmonious and well-defined spicy touches of cinnamon, vanilla and clove tips. Some leather, blond tobacco, and nutmeg. Musk, Frankincense and Kola nut. A background of fresh and elegant toffee and balsamic candies. On the palate you can see harmonious and balanced oak, fruity tannins, great elegance and velvety smoothness, and wonderful length.

"Deep garnet. Aromas of ripe red berries, cherry pit and succulent herbs are complemented by subtle vanilla, tobacco and floral nuances. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering spice- and smoke-laced red currant and bitter cherry flavors that flesh out and deepen on the back half. Fully mature but by no means fading, showing strong finishing energy and smooth, even tannins framing lingering red fruit and floral notes."

93/100 points - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, April 2021

Perfect with roast leg of lamb.