Tempranillo is usually aged in American oak–the grape and the wood just seem to go together. Enter this special bottling from Ramon Bilbao, which eschews tradition to bring forward a different expression of the grape through the use of French oak and punchdown techniques. Deep blackberry, raspberry, cassis, cedar spice, vanilla and faint baker’s chocolate aromas encourage lingering a while before drinking. The reward is a full throttle glass where the flavors translate directly from the nose elements, adding a sweet plum note. Beautifully structured and wildly approachable now, and should age long and elegantly.
Ramon Bilbao, Rioja DOC (Spain) Tempranillo 2010
By Rich Cook