Urbina Seleccion Crianza Rioja 2000 75cl

Bodegas Urbina Seleccion Crianza, Rioja, Spain, 2000

Grapes: Tempranillo. Aged 12 months in used French (5%) & American (95%) oak. Released early before Reserva status.

Urbina is located in the town of Cuzcarrita del Rio Tiron in the Rioja Alta and the winemaking team is headed by Pedro Benito Urbina. A four generation family producer, Urbina has 75ha of vineyards mostly planted to Tempranillo. Grapes for the "Seleccion" are sourced from vineyards used for the production of Reserva/Gran Reserva wines.

Producer Tasting Note:

Intense, dark ruby red colour with a tawny rim. Very concentrated nose of berries, damsons and figs. A full-bodied palate of rich fruit cake and savoury vanilla and coffee flavours. Well structured, mellow, firm tannins, fine elegance. With age, the wine has developed dried fruit and coconut notes.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"A small step up from the regular Crianza, this comes from parcels that are all over 20 years' old and shows a little more concentration as a result. Leafy, floral and wonderfully fragrant, with hints of leather, dill and fresh tobacco, it's chalky and focused on the finish with a touch of oak sweetness"

92/100 points, Tim Atkin MW, Rioja Special Report, 2021

"A wine for lovers of mature, traditional Rioja at a very appealing price, this is a super Crianza that showcases Tempranillo grapes from the cool climate area of Cuzcurrita. Bright, focused and refreshing, it has aromas of Asian spices and tobacco leaf, redcurrant and summer pudding flavours, subtle oak and silky tannins. Delicious."

94/100 points, Tim Atkin MW, Rioja Special Report, 2025... another 4 years on and this wine keeps getting better!

Food Match: Drink with roast lamb, or chicken and chorizo.