The 2009 Reserva from Valenciso is a classic Rioja produced with grapes from Rioja Alta in search of the classical profile combining freshness, elegance and power. 2009 was a warm and healthy harvest when they picked earlier to keep the freshness. The destemmed but uncrushed grapes fermented in cement tanks where it underwent malolactic. It matured in one-third new French oak barrels for some 17 months. There are some notes of leather, licorice and fountain pen ink, over a core of ripe berry fruit, with some spicy notes from the oak and a faint animal character. The palate is medium-bodied with some dusty, slightly rustic tannins and a dry finish. 99,000 bottles produced.