Gran Reserva represents the pinnacle of Rioja classification, requiring a minimum of five years ageing (two in oak, three in bottle) before release. This extended maturation develops the wine's complex layers of fruit, spice and savoury elements you taste here - the blackberry and plum integrate beautifully with vanilla and clove from oak ageing. The result is a wine with remarkable depth and elegance that showcases Tempranillo at its most sophisticated.

This Gran Reserva is already drinking beautifully but has excellent cellaring potential for 10-15 years from vintage. The wine's structured tannins and balanced acidity provide the backbone for long-term ageing, while the concentrated fruit flavours will evolve into more complex tertiary notes of leather, earth and dried fruits. Peak drinking will likely be between 2026-2034, though it will remain enjoyable well beyond that.

The wine's medium body and savoury complexity make it incredibly food-friendly, particularly with Spanish cuisine like lamb with rosemary, aged Manchego cheese, or chorizo-based dishes. The clove and tobacco notes complement grilled meats beautifully, while the black cherry fruit balances rich, tomato-based stews. The Mediterranean herb characteristics also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables and herb-crusted proteins.

The 95-point Decanter score reflects this wine's exceptional balance between power and elegance - a hallmark of outstanding Gran Reserva. The judges would have recognised the seamless integration of fruit, oak and tannins, plus the wine's impressive length and complexity. The combination of ripe fruit concentration, sophisticated spice integration, and that memorable finish demonstrates textbook Gran Reserva quality that sets it apart from lesser examples.

Bodegas Olarra represents modern excellence within Rioja's traditional framework, earning recognition as a 'Mofo Fave Producer' for consistently delivering quality. While respecting classic Gran Reserva methods, they've refined their approach to create wines that showcase both power and finesse. Their focus on expressing Tempranillo's potential through careful vineyard selection and precise winemaking has established them as a benchmark producer in the region.