CVNE, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference, Rioja, Northern Spain 2018

Whether it’s a function of the cooler 2018 vintage or of the stylistic preferences of CVNE, or a bit of both, this is a delightfully fresh and graceful take on the classic Gran Reserva recipe, with a swish of bright blackberry and strawberry leading into the spicier and incipient leathery-savoury tones. Very polished and will keep improving for a few years yet. Great value.