Intensely fragrant — baked plum, strawberries, soft aniseed, cinnamon and clove on the nose. The palate is classical, balanced and serious, with waves of raspberry leaf, rose petal, freshly cut herbs, liquorice, leather and a mouthwatering finish. Fairly savoury compared to many Rioja wines, with real depth and complexity. From the Carromaza estate in Villalba, Rioja Alta, at 600 metres elevation — a tribute to the Real de Asúa brothers who founded CVNE in 1879.