Marqués de Riscal : Barón de Chirel 2019

A balanced, medium-bodied red, with fine-grained tannins layered with flavors of baked cherry, warm brown bread, olive tapenade and licorice root. Spice and loamy earth notes show on the creamy finish of moderate length. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 3,167 cases made, 700 cases imported.

Bright ruby to the eye, this wine has aromas of Chambord, cocoa bean and candied violet. It is full textured and offers vigorous tannins comporting with well-matched acidity and flavors of blackberry pie, dark chocolate, lavender, clove, anisette and a touch of caramel that lingers on the palate into the enduring finish.

Fresh blackberries, sweet spices and some dark chocolate. A little chewy on the palate with sandy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Drink from 2025.

The 2019 Barón de Chirel is a blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Rioja Alavesa and aged for 16 months in French oak barrels. Displaying a garnet color, the aromas feature black fruit notes and balsamic hints against an oaky backdrop. Dry and rich, with a 15.5% alcohol core, the reactive new tannins create a rough palate that will be improved with time—a compact, rich Rioja.