Beronia, 198 Barricas, Rioja, Northern Spain, Spain, 2008

So called because the wine is aged in the best 198 new oak barrels, made from American oak staves and French oak tops, where it spends 24 months followed by a further 24 months in bottle. The result is a fairly intense nose of cherry and hedgerow fruits. The palate is defined by chalky tannins followed by liquorice, tar and spice. Black cherry, damson and black hedgerow fruits sit alongside subtle baked red fruits, balanced by a fine acidity. A hint of cinnamon comes through on the long finish.