Rioja Crianza 2020, Bodegas Sierra Cantabria

This wine greets you with a warm, expressive nose of red cherry, stewed plum, and dried fig, backed by sweet tobacco, crushed violets, and a gentle waft of cedar and vanilla from its oak aging. As it breathes, deeper notes of clove, leather, and a whisper of bay leaf emerge, hinting at the wine’s savory core. On the palate, this Crianza is medium-bodied and finely textured, with flavors of black raspberry, red currant, and roasted espresso unfolding over a foundation of bright acidity and supple, well-integrated tannins. There’s a delicate interplay of spice and fruit—think cinnamon, anise, and a touch of dark chocolate—that lingers on a long, elegant finish. Structured yet approachable, it’s a Rioja that invites both contemplation and casual enjoyment. Grapes are sourced from estate-owned vineyards around San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida in Rioja Alavesa, nestled between the Sierra Cantabria Mountains and the Ebro River. The high-altitude sites enjoy excellent sun exposure an