GRAN RESERVA BODEGA CASADO MORALES

Vineyard name: Ribartayo – El Barranco Vineyard age: 53 years Land: Calcareous clay and sandstone Fermentation: Stainless steel vats with temperature control (79ºF) Barrels: 30 months in new French oak barrels Bottle: 40 months in bottle with frequent tasting controls Vineyard: The family-owned vineyards give consistent character to the wine. They are located in one of the most prestigious international wine growing regions of Rioja Alavesa at LaGuardia and LA Puebla de Labarca at a height of 430-580 meters above sea level. Tasting Notes: It releases an alluring nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, tobacco, balsamic, and assorted black fruits. In the mouth it has outstanding volume, layered fruit, a plush personality, and incipient complexity from its extended aging in bottle and barrel. Ripe, savory, and long in the finish, it reflects the high quality of the 2004 vintage in Rioja. It can be approached now but will continue providing pleasure through 2029.