Bodegas Olarra Rivallana Reserva 2016

The aromatics tell the story of classic Rioja craftsmanship - cassis and blackberry mingle with dried Mediterranean herbs, while black currant and purple plum dance with rosemary and oregano. This is Spain in a glass - sun-soaked fruit meeting ancient terroir wisdom. Soft at first sip, the tannins then build and reveal the wine's true character: cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate, coffee bean, and salted almond create layers of complexity that keep rolling and rolling and rolling. That touch of salinity on the bright finish is all part of that pure Reserva goodness. The magic lies in the aging - minimum five years total, with at least two in oak barrels. Picked on the riper side, the abundant juicy fruit perfectly balances the sweet, spicy oak influence. At nine years old, every element is singing in perfect harmony - firm, grippy palate, plush fruit balanced by structured tannin.