CVNE, Real de Asúa Carromaza, Rioja,

Charred sandalwood, taut fruit, eucalyptus and mint, with waves of cloves and rose petals. As it opens you suddenly get studded by anis, fennel, not overly marked by the oak, with a savoury edge that makes for a mouthwatering finish. 50% new oak for ageing, 225l barrels from Troncais, 3.63ph. Generous and accessible, this will age well but no need to wait more than a year or two to begin enjoying. The 2021 vintage saw an extended growing season in Rioja because of a great late September and October weather.