La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Reserva 2001

Fully mature Tempranillo, and it wears its age well. Dried cherry, cedar, cured tobacco and a touch of vanilla, with a quiet thread of dried rose in the background. Tannins are soft and giving, built around a sweet-fruited center of candied red berries and cherry-vanilla that's kept in check by just enough underlying structure. Drifts off on dried flowers and a gentle mineral smokiness. Drink now.