When thinking of a great wine for ageing in Spain, and more precisely in the Rioja region, this is exactly the kind of wine that comes to mind. The Tempranillo Reserva produced by Viña Pomal is a fine example of how the most widespread red grape variety of the Iberian Peninsula can evolve and improve for years in the cellar. The key is careful and patient winemaking from the very beginning, as is the case here. After temperature-controlled vinification in stainless steel tanks, the wine begins a long maturation process in wood. Around 14 months in American oak barrels and a further two years in bottle are needed to tame the vibrant character of Tempranillo. But simply uncorking a bottle and bringing the glass to the nose is enough to realise that it was well worth the wait. The wine reveals a beautiful ruby-red colour with orange reflections. On the nose, it is clean and intense, with aromas of red fruit alongside notes of tobacco, truffle and vanilla, typical of oak ageing. On the palate, it shows good concentration, perfectly integrated alcohol and a pleasantly persistent finish. Overall, this is a full-bodied wine characterised by vibrant acidity, both features existing in perfect balance. These are also the hallmarks of the finest Tempranillo wines from Rioja Alta. One should always keep a bottle of it in the cellar. Like a safe investment, its value is destined to grow steadily over time.