2015 Rioja Calvario

The nose of the 2015 Calvario reveals abundant oak-related aromas, wood shavings, toast and sweet spices, very much in the style of the early 2000s of ripe and generously oaked reds. It's a blend of Tempranillo with 8% Garnacha and 2% Graciano from a vineyard planted in 1945. It fermented in an oak vat with indigenous yeasts and matured in a new French barrique for 18 months, with rackings every six months. There is a balsamic twist reminiscent of cigar ash and cold bonfire too and a touch of leather and cured meat. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with less alcohol (14%) than some past vintages and abundant, slightly dusty tannins. It would welcome powerful food. 6,200 bottles were filled in July 2017.