Viña Bujanda Reserva 2016

The light and classical 2016 Reserva was produced with 100% Tempranillo from Rioja Alta. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and matured in used French and American oak barrels for 24 months. It has notes of forest floor, sweet spices and decayed leaves, with a subtle palate at 13.5% alcohol and very good freshness (the pH is 3.46), polished and sleek, and a textbook dry finish of cedarwood, ash and cigar box. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2019.

Aromas of ripe dark fruit, baking spices, cedar wood and tar. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins. Attractive ripe and savory fruit flavors and notes of walnut to close. Drink or hold.

Appealingly traditional in style, this is a pure Tempranillo dominated by fruit from the Rioja Alavesa. Savoury and aromatic, with a hint of white pepper, it has well-judged French and American oak, sweet raspberry and tobacco leaf flavours and a balsamic lift. Enjoyable stuff. 2022-26