The sumptuous 2009 Graciano was raised entirely in new French oak (with 10% Hungarian) for 15 to 16 months. It has a very intense, creme de cassis, blueberry and dark plum-tinged bouquet with a hint of baked cherries. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded, sensual entry. It is very supple and caressing in the mouth, with beautifully interwoven new oak towards the finish. It is a lush young Graciano that will need 5-6 years aging. Drink 2017-2027. CVNE was founded by the Real de Asua brothers in 1879 and has remained family-owned since that time. The historic bodega is located in Haro, and there are three companies under the umbrella: CVNE, Contino and Vina Real. These wines were tasted on two occasions in London, revisiting recent vintages plus older ones to compare. The Vino del Olivo is fermented in large oak vats and undergoes malolactic in new French barrels, where it is matured for 17 months. The Graciano is limited to around 6,000 bottles per vintage and is aged for 15 months in new oak (90% French and 10% Hungarian) and then 12 months in bottle. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com