Klein Constantia: stellar whites, sweet and dry 
Marqués de Riscal: Gehry hotel outshining solid Rioja and Rueda 
La Rioja Alta: benchmark classical Riojas especially top flight Gran Reservas 
Marqués de Murrieta: Rioja aristocracy built around Castillo Ygay 
CVNE: Combining volume and classical quality 
Contino: Château-style Rioja and Graciano pioneers 
€30; 13.5%
My first Washington State wine, courtesy of Diageo free product! Mature deep intensity colour: garnet-to-brick. On breathing, opened into toasty oak spice with eucalyptus lift, over core of blackcurrant fruit on the nose. Despite some tannin / acid structure, overall smooth, silky medium-to-full bodied mouthfeel. Pleasant matured-fruit palate with some length. Overall good. Would have been disappointed if bought retail.
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