Bardos – CLEA Ribera del Duero Reserva – 2018

In 1999, Jose Miguel Arambarri (from La Rioja) decided to rebuild his ancestors’ business and to plant his first vineyard in some of the best plots of the Ribera del Duero in Fuentemolinos – the estate has only gone from strength to strength. This was regarded as a good, if at times challenging, vintage that offers wine with great fruit expression balanced by freshness.

Pure sweet black cherry and plum fruit is laced with more complex notes of chocolate, sweet spice and cured meat. 16 months in French oak. Fleshy and powerful, with noticeably chewy tannins that will soften over the next decade – or with robust foods. Drinking well now with roasted and barbecued meats, slow-braised lamb or beef stew.