Viña Bosconia Tinto Reserva 2008

The profile of the 2008 Viña Bosconia Reserva is a lot less ripe than the 2009, and there are some herbal undertones; it's more reserved and austere, still undeveloped after five years in barrel and at least that much time in bottle. It's a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the rest Graciano and Mazuelo that matured in used American oak barrels for five years. It reveals a medium body and some dusty tannins. It's quite the opposite from the 2009, and I think a hypothetical blend of the two would be better than each. It's a cold and austere vintage of Bosconia. 75,000 bottles produced. It was bottled unfiltered and fined with egg whites in four different lots, depending on logistics. It was bottled in November 2017.

Bosconia faces south and has plenty of fruit sweetness, even in a very cool Atlantic vintage like 2008. Combining Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, it’s a
delightfully subtle, traditional Rioja Reserva that's all about secondary and tertiary flavours and aromas rather than wood. Savoury, subtle and aromatic, with wild strawberry, tobacco and forest floor notes. 2020-28

Taking on a balsamic and high-toned wood character to the ripe fruit on the nose. Some dried cheese and ripe fruit, too. Medium-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and fine. Goes on for minutes. A beautiful, traditional wine, as always. Drink or hold.