Bodegas Valdecuriel, Hacienda del Arte Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2015

From a hot, dry year, this wine benefits from fruit grown at lofty altitudes of over 800m where the nights are cool and give respite to the vines. Aromatic notes of wild strawberry, balsam, earthy, wood and potpourri leap from the glass. In the mouth, currants, baked red fruits, tobacco and earth dominate, with a streak of dried strawberry. Sticky fruits and chewy tannins are balanced by a feeling of being light on its feet, with good acidity to help it along. A great alternative to Rioja Reserva.