Remírez de Ganuza, Iraila Garnacha, Rioja, Spain, 2020

Iraila' means 'September' in the Basque langauge. The wine was harvested in September (2020) and bottled in September (2021). Winemaker José Ramon Urtasun says he has a sensation of 'end of the summer' with this wine, with its 'warm but fresh character'. Sourced from two vineyards in Alavesa, at an altitude to give lively freshness. There's a vivid leap of berry fruit from the glass. The mouth starts equally youthful and then the palate develops complexity as it opens up, full of morello cherries, and finishing with singing freshness. This is the first release, and it's a blend of 11 months in 228-litre French oak; 275-litre cigar-shaped French oak barrel and 400-litre ceramic jar. The wine was aged separately and blended after ageing.