Amézola de la Mora Señorío Amézola Reserva 2014 Rioja Alta, Spain 75cl

Bodegas Amézola de la Mora sits at Torremontalbo in the western Rioja Alta, a family estate revived in the 1980s by Íñigo Amézola on land his family had farmed generations before. His daughters run it today, keeping to a classic, age-worthy style of Rioja rather than chasing fashion.

Señorío Amézola is the estate’s Reserva, led by Tempranillo at around 85%, with Mazuelo and a little Graciano adding structure and aromatic lift. The fruit comes from the estate’s own vineyards, and the wine is built for the patient oak and bottle ageing that the Reserva category demands before release.

The 2014 growing season was well regarded in Rioja Alta, a cooler, balanced year that favoured freshness and elegance over sheer power, which suits this estate’s restrained hand. The cooler western sites hold acidity, and that backbone runs through the wine.

Expect an intense red colour and a nose of spice and gently roasted, balsamic notes over ripe dark fruit. The palate is complex and mouth-filling, with fine tannins and the cedary, savoury character that comes from extended time in oak and bottle. It drinks well now and has the structure to hold for several more years.

Tim Atkin awarded this wine 93 points. If you enjoy traditional Rioja Reserva or a mature Ribera del Duero, it offers that depth at a gentler price. Pour it with roast lamb, grilled red meats, game or hard Spanish cheeses, and give it half an hour of air, or a gentle decant, before serving so the aromatics open fully.