Cune Rioja Reserva 2018

An elegant version, with hints of pencil shaving and star anise lacing the pretty notes of ripe black cherry and currant fruit, jasmine and mocha. Fine tannins firm the finish. This isn't a powerhouse, but more of a fresh, crowd-pleaser. Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2028. 12,500 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.

The iconic red 2018 Cune Reserva, the first wine they ever produced, is a blend of Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo from Haro. 2018 was a classical cooler vintage like many years ago and delivered a wine with 14% alcohol and good freshness. It fermented in 20,000-liter stainless steel vats and matured in French and American oak barrels for 18 months (down from 24). It's a cool and nice vintage, with complexity and fruit and feels developed and taking in tertiary character with hints of forest floor and truffles. It's polished and sleek with fine-grained, chalky tannins. A classical Cvne Reserva from Rioja Alta that is ready now. 500,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2021.