2021 Valenciso Rioja Laderas de Cabama, Rioja

Straight out of the gates this vibrant and energetic wine emanates youthful charm. Deep purple, it's rich with aromas of violet florals, dark berries, cocoa, some gentle earth tones and warm spices. The medium bodied palate has a softness to it, with rich and unctuous fruit balanced by refreshing acidity and suave, persistent tannins (which will also ensure this ages superbly) leading to a savoury flecked, lengthy close. Great on its own, this will also suit with a wide variety of meat dishes.

Laderas de Cabama is 100% Tempranillo, crafted from a single plot of 40-year-old vines in Ollauri. It grows on the classic clay/limestone soil profile of the Rioja Alta. This single-vineyard bottling used to be made in a similar style to Valenciso’s flagship Reserva, in that it was built to age in barrel and bottle before release. From the 2018 vintage, Valenciso has sought to craft Laderas de Cabama in a younger, more fruit-forward style. The fruit is picked a little earlier and the winemaking employs a portion of whole-berry, semi-carbonic fermentation, bringing a more primary, juicy profile.