Roda I Reserva 2018

A fresh, fruit-expressive nose, full of black plums, black cherries and blueberries with finely roasted spices, iron and a mineral undertone. Juicy and fluid on the medium-to full-bodied palate, rounded by firm and crunchy tannins that carry the juicy blackberry fruit well. Long, subtle and juicy finish that will make you crave for a second and third glass. Already delicious now, but better from 2023.

The 2018 Roda I is in line with the other 2018s, lower alcohol, grainier tannins and a little more earthy rusticity that to me translates into more character and less polished wines. This was a blend of 92% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano and 2% Garnacha from 30+-year-old vines mostly around Haro that are selected because they deliver black rather than red fruit. It's a red with 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.68. It was filled into 137,199 bottles in July 2020.

Favouring vineyard and vintage expression over extraction and oak, Bodegas Roda’s Roda I Reserva traditionally aims for a black fruit character of Tempranillo. In a rainier, Atlantic vintage like 2018, however, there’s a more supple and elegant tone that bridges darker cassis notes with lighter plum and cherry. Oak-derived spice is more apparent at this young age, but the length suggests excellent longevity.