Rioja Vega, Limited Edition Crianza 2015

"Tempranillo, with 20% Graciano, don't confuse this with the 'regular' Crianza also in sale from FvD at a couple of pounds less, and where it's Grenache in the blend rather than Graciano. Creamy, vanilla and cocoa dusting to the seam of ripe black fruits on the nose, this has a cedar and pepper lift too of fine quality French oak. There's a balsamic sweetness to the fruit on the mid-palate, lovely rounded and quite meaty fruit, but long and distinguished. A very fine. modern Rioja. 90/100." - Tom Cannavan (on a previous vintage)

"This week’s wine is a comforting, oak-matured red for wintery weather and warming food. It’s a limited production from two of Rioja Vega’s oldest vineyards (mainly Tempranillo planted more than 50 year ago) made in a deliberately modern, full style to bring out vibrancy as well as richness – dark, glossy black fruit shot through with liquorice, spice, dark chocolate and toasty oak and a seductive cappuccino creaminess. While it’s a good match for red meat, especially lamb, it won’t overpower pheasant or pork and it doesn’t demand meat: it would make a good partner for a baked pasta or root vegetable dish or hard cheeses. If you want something older and just a little more traditional, though still with plenty of rich fruit, Rioja Vega’s Gran Reserva 2009 is also excellent and good value at £15.95." - Joanna Simon, www.joannasimon.com (on a previous vintage)