Lopez de Haro, Rioja Reserva

A classic, suave, elegant, complex and approachable Rioja that is made from some of best parcels of vines in the Sonsierra sub-zone of Rioja Alta. Tempranillo and Garnacha vines with an average age of 30 years give this wine a silky texture, bright cherry colour, aromas of strawberry and vanilla, tobacco and cocoa. A refined Rioja if ever there was one and at a fantastically good price too.

Lopez de Haro is a very respected name in Spanish wine making but was only established in the mid-2000s. Such success with such speed is unusual in a classic European wine region, but with 92 points from Robert Parker for their second or third vintage, it is clear that this winery is not messing about. Starting with "why" they do what they do, they have thus far ended up with 7 independent wineries across Spain and don't particularly look like slowing down any time soon.

If you wanted to find out what the cutting edge of Spain looks like from the safety of traditional regions, then this is the perfect wine for you. If you want a traditional Rioja that is relevant to the modern day, then this, too, is a perfect wine for you. Not easy to do, is it? But that's clearly their magic... Aged for 20 months in American and French oak barrels.