2016 Remelluri Rioja Reserva

Remelluri is a single-estate Rioja in the Alavesa subzone, farming organically at high elevation. The Rodríguez family has been making wine here since 1971, bucking the trend of blending fruit from all over the region. This is estate-grown Tempranillo with some Garnacha and Graciano. Traditional winemaking, aged in French oak.

Red cherry, leather, tobacco. Some spice and dried herbs. The fruit has aged into something more savory than sweet. Tannins are soft now, integrated. There's freshness despite the age—good acidity keeps it lively. Pair it with roast lamb, aged manchego, braised beef. Ready to drink but will hold for years if you want to wait.