Rioja Gran Reserva La Granja de Nuestra Senora Remelluri 2012 (750ML)

Just 24,238 bottles were filled of the 2012 La Granja de Nuestra Señora, Remelluri's classically minded Gran Reserva. It comes from the estate's oldest vineyards, a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano, and spent 26 months in élevage before going to bottle in May 2015. The intent is a traditional, place-driven Rioja rather than a showy one, and the wine delivers exactly that. Red plum and wild cherry lead the way, threaded with sun-dried and toasted herbs, while the oak stays politely in the background. The palate is firm and well built. Its tannins are powdery in texture yet juicy, with a firm hold and a long, even finish. Critics judged it ready to open from 2021. Serve it with roast suckling pig, chorizo-studded white beans or a wedge of Idiazabal.