This elegant Rioja is rich, warming & velvety with beautifully integrated oak producing a fine & complex wine with great length. Deep ruby & cherry red with the slightest hint of a terracotta rim. Good intensity on the nose with ripe autumn fruits, warm spices & elegant toasty oak. The palate is rich, warming & velvety with good acidity & fine tannins. The vanilla from the oak is well integrated with the raspberry fruit of the Tempranillo producing a fine, rich complex palate & a long finish. The wine is balanced now but has the potential to further improve. The grapes, which are mainly grown in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region are carefully handpicked when fully ripe & only the healthiest bunches are selected. On arrival at the winery, the grapes are cooled & macerated prior to the alcoholic fermentation which is carried out in stainless steel at a carefully controlled temperature. The length of time that the fermenting juice is kept in contact with the skins is determined by daily tasting & analysis until the desired levels of colour & structure are reached. The young wine is then transferred to a mix of American & French oak casks to mature for up to two years before being bottled. Once bottled the wine will remain in cellars to continue its maturation prior to release to the market