Bodegas Olarra Cerro Añón Reserva 2018

This wine meets strict Spanish regulations for Reserva classification, requiring minimum ageing periods and specific oak treatment. The combination of 65% American oak and 35% French Allier barriques creates a complex flavour profile where sweet vanilla notes from American oak blend with the more structured tannins from French oak. At four years old, these elements are harmonising beautifully, with the oak tannins beginning to soften and integrate with the fruit.

Tempranillo is Spain's noble red grape, perfectly suited to the continental climate of Rioja with its hot days and cool nights. This variety develops excellent colour and structure while maintaining bright acidity, making it ideal for extended oak ageing. The grape's natural balance of fruit intensity and tannin structure allows it to showcase terroir while developing complex secondary flavours during the Reserva ageing process.

The full-bodied nature and textured, savoury profile make this wine exceptionally versatile with rich, protein-heavy dishes. The plum and allspice notes complement roasted meats, while the vanilla undertones from oak ageing pair beautifully with aged cheeses and dishes featuring herbs like rosemary or thyme. The wine's structure can stand up to bold flavours without being overwhelmed, making it perfect for hearty Mediterranean or Spanish cuisine.

A 4.1 rating on Vivino represents excellent quality, as it's based on thousands of consumer reviews from wine drinkers worldwide. This score indicates the wine consistently delivers on expectations for a Rioja Reserva, offering authentic regional character and proper ageing development. For a Reserva from a respected producer like Bodegas Olarra, this rating suggests exceptional value, as it demonstrates the wine appeals to both casual drinkers and more serious wine enthusiasts.

Store this Reserva in a cool, dark place at around 12-15°C to preserve its complex flavours developed during ageing. Serve at 16-18°C to allow the full-bodied character and oak integration to shine through - too cold and you'll miss the vanilla and spice notes, too warm and the alcohol may dominate. Consider decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving to help the wine open up and show its textured, savoury qualities at their best.