2006 Paternina Banda Azul - Rioja

The Paternina winery, Banda Azul’s parent, was founded way, way back in 1896 when there were only 20 wineries in Rioja (there are now 150).  They played an integral part in the expansion of the Rioja region as well as its meteoric rise in popularity. The 2006 Banda Azul Crianza does a great job of balancing the new and the old.  It’s made from the most ancient vineyards of Paternina found at over 1,500 feet in La Rioja Alta. After initial fermentation, the wine was aged in small American oak barrels for 14 months. It spent another year in the cellar before release.  A blend of 75% Tempranillo and 25% Grenache, it has a aromas of dark cherries, earth and baking spice, followed by flavors of black currant and cedar.