Here’s anther good Rioja Crianza in $20-30 bracket, this time from Ce Soir Imports. This is about the price where you get an interesting, wood aged Rioja in Australia. We are fortunate that we don’t have the same issue as the guys in the UK. There is truckloads of cheap and not so cheerful Rioja in the supermarkets and booze shops over there. Kind of like NZ sauv blanc here…

This wine uses the classic Rioja crianza formula: 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo, 12 months in wood (mostly older I’d say). Fresh, fruity, woody, and tasty.

It opens up all ready running: wofts of  cherry, earthy herbs, vanilla bean and wood spice. It has a rustic edge, the tannins are kind of fat and well rounded leading to a chunky mouth feel. Not too heavy, savoury and food friendly. Cherry and plum show through on the palate, a little blueberry as well. I can really get into this, a winter comfort wine if I ever tasted one. Drink over the next 4 years. 89 Pts.

Source: Ce Soir Imports Price: $29 Closure: Conventional Cork