비노 비냐 포말 셀레시온 106 - DO 라 리오하

The 20 months in French oak really shows in the smooth, layered finish, and that 5% Graciano adds a nice kick of freshness you don't always get with a Rioja. Opened it last Sunday with lamb chops and the whole bottle was gone before we even got to dessert.

Twenty months in those French oak barrels really shows — the Tempranillo comes through silky while the Graciano adds a nice spicy edge. Opened it for a quiet dinner and the whole bottle disappeared before we even got to dessert.

I poured a glass expecting just another Rioja, but the 90% Tempranillo core with that Graciano kick gives it a lively edge I wasn't prepared for. Twenty months in double French oak rounds it out without hiding the fruit. Definitely ordering another bottle before this limited run disappears.