2010 - CVNE Real de Asua, Rioja

There may have been small quantities made between 2001 and 2010, but nothing was sold under the Real de Asua label, making this was the first vintage made in any quantity for nine years (a decision that seems crazy to me after making the brilliant 2001). Majoring on smoke notes, tannins are still tight and just beginning to unwind their grip even at 12 years old. There is clear deft and skilled winemaking on display, overall goes long on black chocolate, cloves, coffee, liqourice, and softer strawberry puree. Clear appeal, if not the effortless elegance of the 2001.

Vivid ruby-red. Complex, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red berries, incense, potpourri, peppery spices and cured tobacco, with hints of woodsmoke and licorice emerging slowly. Sweet, seamless and incisive on the palate, offering intense raspberry liqueur and cherry-vanilla flavors that put on weight with aeration. Shows excellent clarity and thrust on the long, sweet, floral finish.