2000 Bodegas Urbina Selección Rioja, Spain

ABOUT THIS WINE

"Seleccion" is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo and 5% Graziano from 20 year old vines. Aged for 15 months in American oak casks, it is deliberately released early before reaching 'Reserva' status.

Ruby red in the glass with a tawny rim. A complex and concentrated nose of damson and summer pudding giving way to notes of vanilla, coffee and toasted almonds. With age the palate has become mellow and smooth with layers of dried fruit flavours with hints of coconut and fig. The finish is lingering and elegant. Try with slow braised shoulder of lamb, pollo a la Riojana (sauteed chicken with chorizo, peppers and green peas) or octopus braised with red onions and rosemary in a red wine sauce.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Bodegas Urbina is a small family-owned and run Rioja producer located in the Rioja Alta sub-region of Rioja, Spain. This Single Estate winery was founded in 1870 and is currently run by fourth generation winemaker Pedro Urbina Jr. The Urbina Estate comprises of some 75 hectares (182) of vineyards planted with 65 hectares of Tempranillo and 10 hectares composed of Graciano, Mazuelo and the white grape variety Viura. The vineyards are located at Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron at the north western edge of the Rioja DOC and at Urunuela in the heart of the appellation. Cuzcurrita has some of the highest vineyards in the DOC, this means that it is a relatively cool climate growing area compared with other parts of Rioja. The wines from Cuzcurrita tend to have characteristics suitable for great ageing, whilst those from Urunuela produce consistent and fuller bodied wines.