Awards Jancis Robinson 17 PointsVery, very spicy sweet; like pot-pourri rolled into a cigar; candied-violet chocolate. White pepper fragrance and a cosset of sweet truffle tucked in under the chin of the praline-creamy fruit. A super-smooth, sumptuous rioja with modern panache. Long, cashmere finish. Quite a cavalier. 17 Points, TC, August 2022. Country: Spain Region: Rioja Varietal: Graciano Vintage: 2019 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Bodegas Finca Manzanos  On the border between Rioja and Navarra, Victor Manzanos carries on the work of the four generations before him. With over 250ha of owned vineyards at his disposal, including some of the oldest vines in Rioja, Bodegas Manzanos is fortunately placed to put both the sub-region of Rioja Oriental and the name Manzanos firmly on the map as one of the most important areas and producers in Rioja. This range of wines is a modern take on the traditional landscape of Rioja, championing the native grape varieties, Tempranillo, Viura and Garnacha. The team is the youngest in the region, a talented a group of people with the sole purpose of making wines that people will enjoy. Viticulture 300ha of vineyards are planted on clay-limestone soil at an average height of 400m above sea level. Meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards, coupled with the extreme climate, offer the perfect conditions for the production of great wines. Grapes are all hand-picked in early October. Tasting Note A brilliant ruby red wine, with intense aromas of black fruits combined with spice, prunes, dates, black chocolate and toffee. A well structured mouth-feel, dense, well balanced with a high concentration of ripe tannins. Long and complex black fruit and spice finish. Food Matching Dolcelatte or similar blue veined cheeses.