Gomez Cruzado Vina Dorana Reserva 2017, Rioja DOCa, Spain

Gómez Cruzado is a century-old house located in Haro. Founded in 1886, it is today the boutique winery of the Station District. A young team that is committed to the traditional ‘fine wine’ style of Rioja. After more than 130 years of history, the intense renovation of Gómez Cruzado’s project has culminated in the conception of a range of wines with the will of the deity to the origin and the way of doing the place, in such a way that they always transport you to the emotion of the encounter with a great wine from Haro. Vineyard: In the Alto Najerilla subzone, next to the Cardenas River. In an altitude range between 600 and 710 m.a.s.l., 60% Tempranillo and 40% Grenache. Elaboration: days with pre-fermentation cold maceration, with short pumping over, taking maximum care of the extraction of tannin, then aging in 225-liter French oak barrels of 2nd and 3rd year for 24 months. Ageing is then completed with ageing in the bottle for a minimum period of 12 months. Soil: Ferrous clay soils, characteristic of the Alto Najerilla area. Soils with good fertility and where symptoms of water stress are not usually seen. After the earliest harvest known in Rioja, the final result was exceptional, with very fragrant and balanced wines, among other things thanks to the fresh character where the vineyards are located and the character of the Garnacha of the area. The trade-off is that it was a vintage with a lower average yield than usual. Tasting: Pronounced black cherry, cedar and spice aromas. The palate is supple yet richly-flavoured with layers of dark plum, bramble fruit and cherry supported by well-integrated tannins. Toasty notes, black pepper and dried fruit characters on the finish.