2001 Paternina Conde de los Andes Gran Reserva - Rioja

The Conde de los Andes Gran Reserva is simply stellar.  The 2001 vintage was arguably the best vintage of the past decade in Spain.  It’s a blend of the best lots of Tempranillo, Mazuelo (Carignane), and Graciano.  It’s aged in Ohio oak barrels for several years before bottling.  After it’s bottled it sits undisturbed deep in their cool caves; the perfect conditions for aging.  It’s intense ruby red in color, with notes of toasty spices, dried red fruit, and tobacco in the nose.  On the palate those same flavors linger but are also joined by wild raspberry and cherry notes.  We definitely recommend giving it 30-45 minutes of air before you drink it.  That is, if you have the will power.