Sonsierra Crianza 2019

Smoky plums, blackberries with a lift of black pepper, licorice, game and a spark of coca-cola, too. A full-bodied Rioja Crianza showing a solid fruit core and firm, chewy tannins. Excellent quality. 100% tempranillo. Needs a year, to allow the tannin to soften more. Drink from 2023.

Back after a hiatus in 2018, the Sonsierra co-operative's Reserva is sourced from older, bush-vine parcels on the village's classic clay and limestone soils. Matured in a combination of French and 40% American oak, it has appealing nutmeg and vanilla top notes, good mid-palate texture, sweet raspberry and wild strawberry fruit and a fresh, well-balanced finish. 2024-26