Urbina Selección 2000

This is something you wouldn't see an Australian producer do - release a 21 year old red, from their cellar, drinking beautifully, to the general public. Not in 2 decades have I seen an Australian producer do that, but Urbina from Spain has done just that.  Urbina make 'clasically styled' Rioja from their own vines and do everthing that all the very best Aussie producer's do - the vineyards are cultivated using traditional methods, harvesting is by hand and there is little, or no, use of weed killers and pesticides. 

The result?   After 21 years, this is well-structured and mellow, one sip and you won’t believe it’s 21 years old.  Medium bodied. It's not plush, similar to the old fashioned, aged Bordeaux.  Soft tannins, that only comes with age. Here's what the reviewers are saying:

"This has matured into a beefy richness, tasting a bit like braised brisket with earthy carrots, still holding some floral notes in its black fruit. It has the soft ripeness of the 2000 vintage; for drinking soon, perhaps with brisket."   Wine & Spirits Magazine.
 
"A mature Rioja with cedar, dried leaves, dried cherries, and leather. Medium-bodied and spicy with drying tannins, but the oak and ripeness are not overdone. Intriguing history in a bottle. Drink now."  James Suckling