Marqués de Cáceres, MC, Rioja, Northern Spain, Spain, 2015

A modern style, 100% Tempranillo Rioja from low-yielding vineyard parcels in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa totalling 11ha, with vines aged between 65-90 years old. Following a long maceration of around 30 days, the wine is micro-oxygenated - processes which lend richness and texture. Malo and maturation is in new French oak. The wine has a spicy nose with blackberry, black cherry and barrel char aromas. The palate has a lovely soft, chalky texture with fine tannins and chocolatey oak, which leads into rich hedgerow fruit and a hint of opulent black cherry. Black pepper, red cherry and vanilla appear on the finish. A technical wine which demands some cured meats, cheese or steak to tame its punch and power.