2016 Rioja Crianza Viura, Bodegas Urbina

"I thought the 2016 Bodegas Urbina Rioja Viura Crianza – a nine-year old white Rioja – would have been aged too long, but how wrong could I be? It’s in cracking form. Made entirely from the slow fermented, free-run juice of old vine Viura (aka Macabeo), it spent six months in new French and American oak and is weighty and expressive. With dried tropical fruit, honeysuckle and nuts, plus a silky, creamy texture and hints of quince, it’s deliciously complex."
Jonathan Ray, The Spectator Magazine

A lovely golden shimmer greets you in the glass hinting at a richness and maturity, a quick swish releases aromas of exotic fruit, dried apricot, hints of melon, jasmine, fresh herbs.

The palate is concentrated and takes firm hold with expressive melon, apricot, citrus with just the beginnings of a pleasantly oxidative yeasty edge from extended aging in barrel and on-lees. The palate evolved further to an almost honied, saline character on the finish - that's is not to say the finish is off-dry, far from it: the dryness is such that it almost grips the palate and a warming herbaceous spice with those apricot notes linger long after you take your first sip.

This is a delightful aperitif wine, served well chilled in the summer sun, and unbeatable when alongside some salted almonds, cured meats and rustic breads.

- James Russell-Grant