Bodegas Riojanas, Monte Real Cuvée, Rioja, Spain 2021

Nuanced and layered, there's a very pleasant tension between the juicy depth of the blackberry, blueberry and black cherry fruit and the intense savouriness of salty liquorice, cocoa nibs, dried sage and tarragon - all outlined by smoky, assertive tannins. Use of oak is well judged, adding complexity and spice without coming to the forefront. Very long finish with lingering sage, aniseed, cocoa powder and pink pepper.