2008 Bodegas Riojanas, Monte Real Gran Reserva, Rioja

Bodegas Riojanas, founded in 1890, sources Monte Real from El Monte vineyards in Rioja Alta—calcareous clay with rounded stones at 430–530 meters elevation. The 2008 Gran Reserva is 100% Tempranillo, aged in American oak and bottle-aged to full maturity. Expect dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, leather, and spice. A classic vintage drinking beautifully now.