Ramón Bilbao, Rioja Viñedos de Altura 2019

(2023) Viñedos de Altura  demonstrates winemaker Rodolfo Bastida's love for higher altitude vineyards. This blend of 50% Tempranillo and 50% Garnacha comes from vineyards at 700 metres, but interestingly from opposite ends of the Rioja region; the Tempranillo from Rioja Alta, while the Garnacha is from the Rioja Oriental. There's a fine, tobacco and lightly earthy note here, a bit of lifted cherry and violet, the aromatics fragrant and quite delicate. On the palate this is really very nicely composed. The fruit is sweet and rich, naturally so, with an infusion of black tea and kirsch playing against the spice and tobacco of 15 months in French oak. A nicely judged level of acidity and taut tannin gives a long, composed finish. Watch the video for more information and food matching ideas.