Resplendent with notes of cherry wood, vanilla, and light spice, this Serres wine shows its barrel most profoundly. Like the 2008 Gran Reserva, it’s a blend of 85 percent Tempranillo, 10 percent Graciano, and 5 percent Mazuelo, and likewise spent three years in French and American oak then three in bottle prior to release. It’s a little tight, now, and benefits from some air, but within a few minutes begins to yields cherries, cedar, tobacco, and smoky berries.
It’s serious wine for the price. Pair it with roasted meats and game, chorizo, mushrooms, aged cheeses.
13.5% abv | $15 (sample) Imported by Winesellers, Ltd.
Other wines by Carlos Serres:
http://makerstable.com/2017/05/10/2015-carlos-serres-old-vines-rioja-doc/
http://makerstable.com/2017/05/10/2012-carlos-serres-rioja-crianza-doc/
http://makerstable.com/2017/05/09/2008-carlos-serres-rioja-gran-reserva-doc/
