2000 Bodegas Urbina Selección Rioja, SpainABOUT THIS WINE "Seleccion" is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo and 5% Graziano from 20 year old vines. Aged for 15 months in American oak casks, it is deliberately released early before reaching 'Reserva' status. Ruby red in the glass with a tawny rim. A complex and concentrated nose of damson and summer pudding giving way to notes of vanilla, coffee and toasted almonds. With age the palate has become mellow and smooth with layers of dried

Volnay-like fruit

the last 20 in the Finger Lakes

Rather than allowing the wine to go through malolactic fermentation

covered with the same crown cap used during the end of fermentation (not disgorged)

essence or taste

this cover crop is tilled into the soil while still green and left to compost naturally into the earth

In addition to a Beaujolais blanc

It pairs beautifully with seafood

it’s sure to make any occasion more memorable and enjoyable

Periodically sheep are allowed to roam the vines helping to control underbrush

Benoit made the decision to continue this fabulous cuvee

"Across the 240 estate and 90 acres of vines