2015 Roda I Reserva Rioja

From a warm vintage with an early harvest, this is a well balanced Rioja with considerable complexity. There's a ripe plum character to the black fruit aromas, along with warm tobacco hints and earthy, undergrowth notes. Like a perfectly stretched tapestry, this shows a taut precision to the winemaking, with admirable balance. Polished black fruit, spice and chocolate notes show good persistence. A sense of freshness and fine tannins with juicy grip on the finish; this has life ahead of it.

The 2015 Roda I feels very complete, from a year of full ripeness when the grapes achieved more nuance and flavor and the tannins seem to have ripened nicely. It's a powerful year with clout, quite classical (but with the touch of French oak), already starting to develop some tertiary aromas and more nuance. There's something balsamic in there, even minty, I'd say. In 2015, it only had 3% Graciano to complement the Tempranillo from old vines that fermented with indigenous yeasts. The élevage lasted 16 months and was in 50/50 new/second use barriques. But the wine was kept in bottle for 48 months before it was released, which I think is important.

A dense, layered red with lots of blackberry and ripe fruit and some chocolate and coffee undertones. It's full and flavorful. Still needs time to open. Drinkable now, but better in 2021.

The 2014 was made in such small quantities that Roda will be moving on to the 2015 in short order. Made with Tempranillo and 3% Graciano, it's a much weightier, more intense red from the higher areas around Haro, showing considerable structure, lots of scented, toasty oak notes of thyme and rosemary and a fresh, mineral undertow. 2023-30.