Beronia III a.C. 2015

Sweet blackberries with hints of smoke, cocoa powder and balsamic vinegar. A slew of tannins, but easily carried by the fruit. The long finish is softer than the initial impact suggested, with a bitter-chocolate note. Made from 90 and 130-year-old vines. Drink or hold.

The darker, more modern, ripe and concentrated 2015 III a. C has a very defined style for a segment of consumers that like that heady, oaky and hedonistic profile. This is a dark colored, unashamed modern Rioja with plenty of oak-related flavors and tannins that are going to require some time in bottle and/or powerful food. As with many wines of this profile, it's pure Tempranillo and the oak is French and mostly new. My experience is that this style usually ages faster than the more traditional wines.