Viña Ardanza Rioja Reserva 2009

With 95 points from Tim Atkin and 93+ points from Wine Advocate – who called it “balanced, serious and harmonious” – this is a very serious Rioja Reserva. Hailing from a very good vintage, it’s crafted from Tempranillo picked from 30-year-old vines and Grenache grown at high altitude. Aged for around three years in oak, the wines from the two grapes were combined to create an elegant blend of cassis, fresh cherries, chocolate, flat white, Christmas spices and pipe tobacco. A fine choice for a Sunday roast or sausage stew.

Formed in 1890 by three families – the Ardanzas, the Aranas and the Alberdis – La Rioja Alta sets the benchmark for the entire Rioja region. They're famed for their classic Spanish reds, which are aged for an inordinately long time, making them a go-to for all connoisseurs of Rioja.