Bodegas Roda, Roda Reserva 2016, DOCa Rioja, Spain

A vineyard on a terrace jutting out like the bows of a ship from the Haro Barrio de la Estacion to the river Ebro was transformed into the current winery location. Here, an underground cellar, reaching down 12 metres below the surface, was once used in the 19th century, when local wine growers stored their vintages there before shipping them by rail to Bordeaux to alleviate the crisis caused by the phylloxera epidemic. 2016 vintage – 85% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 6% Garnacha. Winemaking: Fermentation and malolactic fermentation in French oak followed by 14 months aging in French oak barrique (40% new) and 30 months in bottle. Tasting Notes: Color: Cherry background and cherry layer. Bright colors that represent the grape varieties. Nose: Very good intensity, with perfectly intgrated oak. The red fruit stands out overall, with the cherry as the central axis. Palate: It is voluminous and full. A very elegant and fresh wine.