Urbina Selección 2006

This is something you won't see an Australian producer do - release a 17 year old Red from their cellar, drinking beautifully for just $68.99.  But Bodegas Urbina a 4th generation family owned winery from Spain has just done that!    Urbina make 'clasically styled' Rioja from their own vines and do everything 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 17 years, this is well-structured and mellow, one sip and you won’t believe it’s 17 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:

“If you love mature, traditionally made Rioja, this will put a smile on your face and a song on your lips. Made from Tempranillo plus 5% Graciano and Mazuelo, it has the freshness and elegance that you’d expect from the cooler Cuzcurrita zone, spicy French and American oak, fine grained tannins and palate-caressing strawberry sweetness.” 96 Points: Drink 2019 – 2026 – Tim Atkin MW Special Rioja Report 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022

“Developed style, with lots of vanilla, freshness and dried herbs and fruits. Crisp brambly acidity that is still full of energy. 92 Points Highly Recommended: Drink 2023 – 2036 – The Decanter Rioja Guide 2023 (The Sweet Spot: £20 – £40 reds)