The 2008 Baron de Chirel Reserva is 70% Tempranillo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and underwent a more severe selection, as well as undergoing longer skin maceration and extraction than the 2005. It has a wonderful, savory bouquet with touches of dried blood and iron piping that exhibits impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth entry and offers notes of blackberry, tobacco, cedar and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied and the higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon makes its presence felt, imparting more structure and backbone than older vintages. It certainly has the weight to support it with a firm, harmonious finish. This has the substance to age over many years. Drink 2016-2025+ In many ways, Marques de Riscal is the nexus between traditional and modern Rioja. Their cellars are a treasure trove of bottles back to the mid-19th century, while above the ground, tourists flock with cameras to gaze at the arresting Frank Gehry designed hotel and perhaps dine in its Michelin-starred restaurant. While it would be easy for such a well-known name to look back upon its legacy and their spellbinding wines of yore, there is no question that Marques de Riscal have their sights set firmly upon the future. There is a need to innovate, to progress and to keep track of consumers’ preferences while adhering to the values of Rioja that would have informed their own wines a century ago. It was interesting to meet head winemaker Francisco Hurtado de Amezaga and his son, Luis. Having shown me around their vast facilities, Francisco having to intermittently pose for a photograph from a tourist, we sat down to taste current releases and a couple of surprises from their rich history. Riscal presently own 500 hectares of their own vineyards planted with classic Riojan varieties and of course, Cabernet Sauvignon, plus 985 hectares that are out-sourced. With such a myriad of vineyards at their disposal, it has become possible for them to both market a high volume brand of their entry-level Reserva, but also specialize in more limited bottlings such as Finca Torrea and their Cabernet-influenced, Baron de Chirel. I have great respect for Marques de Riscal. Two of the greatest Spanish wines I have ever tasted came courtesy of this estate, one of which is listed below. Yet they are also determined to offer decent entry-level Reserva to the masses and as such, they serve as a great ambassador for the region. And discussing the wines with Francisco and Luis, it is clear that this is not a company content to rest upon its laurels. There was much conversation about improving their wines, introducing new grape varieties, questioning how they can improve quality, for example, by increasing the Cabernet component in the Baron de Chirel. Ratcheting up quality is not so easy to do on a grand scale but it is important that they keep doing so. Importer: Southern Wine & Spirits; www.southernwine.com