Bodegas Roda Cirsion 2017

The top of the range is only produced in some vintages, so we are already with the very young 2015 Cirsion—they didn't produce it in 2013 or 2014, so the 2015 is the next vintage after 2012. And starting with the 2012, it seems like the style of Cirsion is going to have a significant percentage of Graciano, at least in the warmer vintages. It is a juicy, layered, hedonistic, spicy and voluptuous modern Rioja from a perfect year for ripeness and with some Mediterranean influence; it might challenge the phenomenal 2005. In this vintage, the blend includes 14% Graciano, which is higher than the 2012, and prior to that, it was only Tempranillo. The selected grapes went through natural fermentation, and they reckon the tannins are ripe enough to only need some eight months in oak, brand new French barrels in this occasion. It's very fruit-driven, heady, ripe, open, aromatic and intoxicating. This is very different from the rest of the wines in the portfolio, a lot more modern, juicy, chewy and, in the last couple of vintages, with the added freshness provided by the Graciano. They think this is a wine that will be long lived in bottle, but most of the bottles are drunk early on, when the profile is exuberant. One day I will have to do a Cirsion vertical... 5,078 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2017.

This red is dense yet graceful, with a good balance of fruit and savory components. Plum, floral, tobacco, mineral and smoky notes mingle over light, firm tannins, kept lively by balsamic acidity. Drink now through 2026.

Sept 2014. By Josh Raynolds. Glass-staining ruby. Strongly perfumed aromas of blackberry, blueberry, violet pastille, vanilla and smoky oak. Seamless and sweet on the palate, offering energetic dark berry compote and cola flavors, with a touch of star anise on the back half. Gains richness with air and finishes extremely long, with building tannins and clinging sweetness.