Bodegas Montecillo, Rioja Reserva, Spain 2017

This Rioja Reserva from the Montecillo estate, based in Rioja Alta, is surprisingly reticent on the nose, and could well benefit from decanting. Some Riojas give you strawberry and cream flavours, but this is more about firm red plum and black cherry fruit. There's also a hint of pine needles, and some sweet oak woody spice. Quite a grippy style, less generous than some might expect.