Gómez Cruzado Reserva 2014

Including more Garnacha and Graciano than in the past, and featuring a component from Badarán for the first time, this Tempranillo-based Reserva is fresh, herbal and mineral, with French rather than American oak, tangy blackberry fruit and a balsamic undertone. 2021-26

The 2014 Reserva has more creaminess and influence from the élevage than other wines from more recent years. It's very traditional, with balsamic notes of incense and cigar ash intermixed with forest floor and wild berries all in good harmony, coming through as integrated and balanced. The palate is medium to full-bodied with some dusty tannins and a twist of rusticity. After 18 months in French oak barrels, it was kept in concrete for two more years. It's a canonical blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha and 5% Graciano. 30,000 bottles and 1,500 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2018.