Castillo Labastida Reserva 2016

Labastida is a beautiful medieval village in Rioja Alavesa, prized for its pebbly limestone soils and patchwork of tiny vineyards. These plots are nearly all family-owned, handed down the generations and tended with great pride. Planted high – 550 metres upward – they catch the coolness of Atlantic breezes and the nearby Cantabria mountains, while large pebbles absorb the sun's heat by day and warm the vines at night. The outcome is silky, elegant wines of red fruit intensity. Javier Cereceda is the winemaking talent at Castillo Labastida – he trained with the renowned Telmo Rodriguez. Finest Tempranillo, aged in nearly all French oak for 18 months, this Reserva has richness and depth. Aromas of dark cherry, cocoa powder, a touch of mint, balsamic and toasted oak. Decant early – this is a wine to pause over.