Viña Bosconia Reserva

Chocolate, musk, freeze-dried berries, dried flowers, pipe resin, leather. Fruit exists but stays in the background like a shy guest. Super old-school with undeniable charm.

There's something Burgundian-Piemontese about it (yes, that's a lazy comparison, I know). Tasted blind, my gut immediately said López de Heredia, Viña Bosconia. Almost nailed the vintage too - guessed 2008.

Screaming acidity, beautiful balance, complex and compelling. This isn't trying to be modern or please anyone. It just is what it is - properly beautiful Rioja doing its timeless thing.