Berberana 2005 Gran Reserva (Rioja)

Varieties: Tempranillo 80%, Garnache 20%
Region: Rioja
Vintage: Gran Reserva
Colour:  Browny red
Alcohol: 14.0%
Bouquet: Lovely nose which includes subtle vanilla with faded fruit (fallen cherries in the field) aromas
Flavour: Very even, gentle and elegant. The flavours are balanced, restrained and a lovely blend of drying cherries, a hint of pepper and a touch of drying tannins.
Points: 89 (4+7+12+8+8+50)

Notes:  The winner of our Rioja tasting which had the requirement of being a reserva or gran reserva. Added to the delight was the fact that this was the cheapest bottle in our collection. At about $15.00 (~280 Kc) it was the clear winner.