Since 1890, La Rioja Alta, S.A. has been appreciated and celebrated all over the world, even gaining accolades from celebrated wine critics such as Tim Aitken. This wine was destined for one of their top cuvées, but due to them having a surplus of wine they let this go early at a snip of what you'd normally pay for this wine once it reaches Gran Reserva status. It combines mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha and Mazuelo, and is aged for 2 years in American oak barrels and then longer in bottle. The result is an extremely complex red that has become elegant and balanced with age. The savoury leather notes are lifted by some cherry-like freshness which is pretty remarkable for an 8-year old wine. The finish has some sweet liquorice spice, quite subtle plum and raisin fruit, and a really long finish.