Miguel Merino, Unnum, Rioja

Slow oxed on the countertop for a few hours before it was ready for business. Dark smela and flavors, relativly clean tasting and nit overlyy acidic or tanic. Pleasant enough, but nothing special.

Big red and blue fruits with - after 15 minutes of air - notes of saddle and forest. Nicely structured and balanced. Modern styled Rioja different from their Other lineup but really nice.

At the winery, wonderful private tasting hosted by Maria. First experience with these wines. This is the son's wine, of the father son winemaking team. Decidedly new world and more fruit forward than the traditional Reserva. New French oak - comes out on the palate. Inky purple/red color. Nose was rich with black fruit and herbs - jumps from the glass. Palate repeats with black fruits, oak, licorice/anise. Layered and complex finish. Still young and primary, this should age nicely …