2013 Mariano J. Lacort Rioja Gran Reserva

70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano and 10% Mazuelo from vineyards in Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. Aged in new and second-use medium-toast white American oak (from Ohio!) and French oak barrels for 30 months. The barrels are decanted twice a year for natural filtration. Aged in bottle for three years before release. 14% alcohol. Complex in the nose with good intensity of balsamic, spicy oak, leather, tobacco and earth; all of this over a delightful candied fruit backdrop. Full bodied, rich and intense, with mouth-filling but not astrigent tannins. Great value on aged Rioja. Bodegas Lacort was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. Located in the famous Estacion de Haro District, their neighbours include other historical wineries, such as La Rioja Alta, Cvne and Lopez de Heredia.