Anares Reserva Rioja 2015

Product Info

90pts Vinous Media
(fermented and aged in American oak barrels of varying size) Opaque ruby. Oak-spiced cherry, redcurrant and vanilla aromas and flavors are complemented by a herbal nuance and a hint of smokiness. Sweet and oaky in character, showing good concentration and a peppery flourish that adds spicy back-end cut. Soft tannins lend shape to the finish, which leaves a bitter cherry note behind. Drinking Window: 2021 – 2027 - By Josh Raynolds on February 2019

Terroir & Vineyard
From the heart of Rioja Alta in northern Spain, the 2015 Añares Reserva is sourced from mature vineyards planted primarily on clay-rich soils (and in some parcels, with a limestone component). The region’s continental climate—with warm ripening days and cooler nights—allowed for full phenolic maturity while retaining freshness. The producer, Bodegas Olarra, emphasizes careful vineyard selection, hand-harvesting and traditional vineyard practices for their Reserva wines.

Winemaking
The wine is predominantly made from Tempranillo, supplemented by smaller proportions of Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo-type varieties. After fermentation, the wine undergoes significant ageing in oak—American and French barrels for the Reserva bottling—followed by extended time in bottle before release. This traditional ageing regime gives the wine polished integration of oak and fruit, evolution of secondary aromas, and a structure capable of further ageing.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: A deep cherry-red colour with ruby hues, indicating both youthful vibrancy and a wine ready for drinking.
• Aroma: Ripe red and dark fruits—black cherry, plum—are layered with subtle notes of liquorice, tobacco leaf, gentle oak spice and a hint of smokiness.
• Palate: On the palate the wine delivers a harmonious mix of fruit and structure: the fruit-core of plum and dark cherry is balanced by firm yet refined tannins, a lively acid backbone and gentle oak-driven spice. The finish is lingering and elegant, with echoes of savoury notes and a reminder of the fruit returning in the aftertaste.
• Structure & Ageing Potential: Thanks to the 2015 vintage’s quality and the Reserva ageing regime, the wine is drinking very well now but still has potential to develop further complexity over the next 5-10 years depending on storage conditions.

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

• Serving Temperature: Best at around 16-18 °C (60-64 °F). If the wine has been in cooler storage, allow it to warm slightly in the glass to open aromas.
• Food Pairings:
• Roast or grilled lamb, beef or game meats, especially with herbs and garlic.
• A rich stew or braised beef dish with deep savoury flavours.
• Mature hard cheeses—such as aged Manchego, Idiazábal—or charcuterie with smoked accents.
• Even classic Spanish dishes such as chorizo and roasted peppers, or a hearty paella with red meat.