Bodegas Ondarre Mayor de Ondarre Reserva 2017

While maintaining classic Rioja winemaking traditions, this wine uses predominantly French oak instead of the typical American oak during its 19-month ageing process. This choice preserves maximum fruit concentration while still delivering the smoky, spicy characteristics Rioja is famous for. The result is a wine that bridges Old World tradition with modern winemaking precision, offering both the comfort of familiar Rioja terroir and the sophistication of refined oak influence.

Mayor de Ondarre Reserva is produced exclusively from two plots of old vines, and only when grape quality reaches exceptional standards. This selective approach means the wine represents the absolute pinnacle of what the vintage can offer. Old vines naturally produce lower yields but more concentrated fruit, and by handpicking into small crates and sorting meticulously, only the finest grapes make it into the final blend, ensuring each bottle represents the very best of that particular harvest.

This 2017 Reserva has already undergone 19 months in oak followed by additional bottle ageing, making it beautifully approachable now with its lush, complex dark fruit profile. However, Tempranillo-based Rioja Reservas typically continue developing for 10-15 years from vintage, so you could cellar it until 2027-2032 for even greater complexity. The wine's full-bodied structure and high-quality fruit concentration suggest it will reward patient cellaring with increased integration of flavours and enhanced tertiary characteristics.

The wine's rich blackberry fruit, savoury elements, and spicy oak characteristics make it perfect for robust dishes that can match its intensity. Think slow-cooked lamb shanks, aged beef steaks, or traditional Spanish dishes like cochinillo or jamón ibérico. The smoky, spicy notes also complement barbecued meats beautifully, while the wine's sophisticated structure pairs excellently with aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Cabrales.

A 97-point score from Decanter World Wine Awards places this wine in the 'Outstanding' category, representing exceptional quality that's rarely achieved. This rating, combined with a Platinum Medal, indicates the wine demonstrates perfect balance, complexity, and typicity for its style. Such high scores from respected international competitions suggest this Rioja not only excels within its category but stands among the world's finest wines, offering exceptional value given its premium quality credentials.