Urbina Seleccion Crianza Rioja 2000

Bodegas Urbina Seleccion Crianza, Rioja, Spain, 2000

Grapes: Tempranillo. Aged 15 months in used French (5%) & American (95%) oak. Released early before Reserva status.

Urbina is located in the town of Cuzcarrita del Rio Tiron in the Rioja Alta and the winemaking team is headed by Pedro Benito Urbina. A four generation family producer, Urbina has 75ha of vineyards mostly planted to Tempranillo. Grapes for the "Seleccion" are sourced from vineyards used for the production of Reserva/Gran Reserva wines.

Intense, dark ruby red colour with a tawny rim. Very concentrated nose of berries, damsons and figs. A full-bodied palate of rich fruit cake and savoury vanilla and coffee flavours. Well structured, mellow, firm tannins, fine elegance. With age, the wine has developed dried fruit and coconut notes.

"A small step up from the regular Crianza, this comes from parcels that are all over 20 years' old and shows a little more concentration as a result. Leafy, floral and wonderfully fragrant, with hints of leather, dill and fresh tobacco, it's chalky and focused on the finish with a touch of oak sweetness"

92/100 points, Tim Atkin MW, Rioja Special Report 2021

Drink with roast lamb, or chicken and chorizo.