Rioja Gran Reserva Especial, Bodegas Benito Urbina 2004

Bodegas Benito Urbina is situated in the town of Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron in Rioja Alta. There are 75 hectares in total - 65 of Tempranillo and 10 of Graziano, Mazuelo and Viura - and the estate has been in the family hands for 4 generations. In 1975 the family decided to age and bottle their own wines and to this end major investment in the cellar and vineyards has taken place alongside a more organic approach to its viticulture. The superb Gran Reserva Especial 1996 is a blend of 90 % Tempranillo, 5 % Graciano and 5 % Mazuelo and spends 2 years in oak and 4 years in the bottle before release.

A vibrant dark ruby in colour. A rich nose of blueberry, mulberry and mint with notes of tobacco and leather. On the palate, beefy and meaty, packed with spicy red-fruit flavours. Concentrated and smooth in texture with finely balanced tannins and excellent acidity leading to a lingering finish. Drink with oxtail stew marinated in Rioja and served with chorizo, rack of lamb with honey allioli or escalivada Catalana (barbecued aubergine, pepper, onion, and tomatoes.

Grapes: 90 % Tempranillo, 5 % Graciano and 5 % Mazuelo