“Pretty darned good” says my tasting note and that’s probably the most enthusiastic review I have ever given a Roble from Rioja. Roble is the name given to a Rioja that has been lightly oaked, typically around 6 months, so it sits between a Joven and a Crianza. I usually find they are neither one thing nor another, a bit like brunch or drizzle, but this one has tons of flare and panache, as well as good looks. It spent 7 months in new oak - 40% American, and 60% French, with varying levels of toast - and is dark and sweet-fruited and spicy, displaying black cherries, red plums, baking spices and gentle floral notes. The fruit is so ripe and concentrated that any oak flavours are drowned within it. I think I prefer this to their Crianza, which spent 18 months in oak, as the balance here allows the succulence of the fruit to shine. Perfect with lamb chops or indeed anything with a bit of charred fat on the outside (and I’m not referring to me on a sun-lounger). Outstanding value! 14% alc. Drink now-2026.