Arzuaga Reserva Especial 2020
Arzuaga Reserva Especial 2020 is a dry, full-bodied red from Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero, Spain), in the rich, smooth reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity moderate; oak influence is noticeable. Good with venison, lamb, roast pork, sausages. Drink within 20 years (to about 2040). Decant for about 2 hours. Critic score 94/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jesús Madrazo Selección Rioja 2020 Jesús Madrazo · Rioja | £49.00 | |||
| Ukan, Rioja 2022 Ukan · Rioja | £46.00 | |||
| La Rioja Alta Vina Arana 2012 | £52.00 | |||
| Aster Finca El Otero 2021 La Rioja Alta · Ribera del Duero | £45.23 |
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours before serving. This magnificent Reserva Especial from Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro is crafted from grapes carefully selected from the estate’s ancient vineyards. These noble Tinta del Pais and Albilla vines were planted over a century ago in this charmed corner of Ribera del Duero. Planted on limestone and clay soils and blessed with plentiful sunshine and cool nights even during the summer, these vines produce small quantities of this incredibly concentrated Reserva Especial. The estate insists on harvesting all of the grapes for this wine by hand to ensure they reach the winery in optimum condition. The wines then undergo fermentation in barrels followed by a 24 month period of maturation in new French oak barrels to add extra layers of complexity and create a soft and well-rounded character. On the nose this gorgeous Reserva Especial exudes seductive notes of leather, dark chocolate and dark plum jam which are joined on the palate by ripe red berries, sweet spices and hints of toasted nuts. Full-bodied and incredibly smooth on the palate, the firm structure of this red wine makes it an excellent partner for rich meat stews, hard cheeses or earthy game dishes.