Altos R Gran Reserva Rioja 2018

From a top Bordeaux-trained winemaker comes this lavish Gran Reserva from a cloud-high Rioja bodega Bordeaux-born Jean-Marc Sauboua is a very talented winemaker. He trained at Château Haut-Brion and is today head winemaker at trophy-winning Château La Clarière. In 2006, he wanted to start a project of his own and with Spanish heritage, chose Rioja. He wished to make Grand Cru style wines, so he selected a site for his winery up in the clouds and ancient vineyards that were equally high. This is, however, his first Gran Reserva. Again he wanted to make it more like a fine claret, so he selected grapes from ancient vines, carefully fermented it, used French oak barriques for ageing and kept the barrels topped up to the brim to lend a fresher style. Spiced raspberry and plum with a wrap of creamy oak and spice, it’s fine, rich and elegant.