2018 Viña Real Gran Reserva, CVNE, Rioja

"Unsurprisingly, the 2018 CVNE Viña Real Gran Reserva Selección Especial was everyone’s favourite. "This is what Rioja is all about!" exclaimed Mrs R., beaming. Felicity just sighed happily and gulped noisily. A 95 per cent Tempranillo/5 per cent Graciano blend from the finest plots, aged for two years in barrel and three in bottle, it’s soft, smooth and mellow with sweet, ripe plums and prunes, leather, tobacco and the gentlest of tannins. Its ‘Especial’ moniker is only ever accorded in the finest of vintages, of which this is clearly one."
Jonathan Ray, The Spectator Magazine