Bodegas Urbina Reserva Especial Rioja 2006

Bodegas Urbina is a family winery in Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón, in Rioja Alta, with roots going back to 1870, when Salvador Urbina made the first wines here. Four generations on, the family farms around 75 hectares, mostly Tempranillo, harvested by hand and grown without weedkillers or pesticides. Pedro Benito Urbina leads the winemaking and releases his wines only when they are ready to drink, after long ageing in the cellar.

Reserva Especial is around 95% Tempranillo with a little Graciano and Mazuelo, aged for 30 months in American and French oak barrels and then for many years in bottle at the bodega before release. The result is a mature, silky Rioja with black fruit, cigar box, leather and tobacco, supported by fine tannins and a fresh, elegant finish. Worth decanting, as it may throw a little sediment. A natural match for roast lamb, slow cooked beef or a mature cheeseboard.