2011 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Bosconia, Spain, Wine Review

This is about as classic as old style Rioja gets.  As the Gran Reserva's get more expensive, this is truly a great value in traditional Rioja.  The wineis fermented in 144 year old oak vats before being stored for five years in used American oak barrels.  Ruby in color with some purple swirls and maybe just a hint of orange.  The nose is great with cherries, spice, cedar, dust and slight herbal note.  Full bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, cherries with slight black cherries and spice.  Complex and deep.  Tight layers that unwind in the glass.  This is drinking well now but should have no trouble going another ten to fifteen more.  Nice on its own, this works better with food such as a hearty (Lamb) stew.