231. El Coto de Rioja, Rioja Reserva Coto Real, 2000

€13.80; 13.5%

On the recommendation of the Guía Peñin mini-guide (a great idea for anyone thinking of doing a wine score guide, by the way!). I picked up this one from the El Coto de Rioja stable, at Madrid Airport on the way home from OneDWBB. Solid Reserva. Mid-depth, clear, ruby-garnet core with a narrow garnet rim. Initially a cedary, rosemary & thyme herb nose, laced with cocoa notes. Red fruit then developed (redcurrant; possibly red cherry). Only gentle tannin, with a subtle but notable acidic structure. Woody flavour over a gentle red-fruit core flavour. Chocolate and vanilla overtones complete the finish, although surprisingly a bit short.