Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja, 1999

The official breakdown:

Tempranillo 80%
Garnacho 15%
Graciano 3%
Mazuelo 2%

The estate, R. Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia, SA, is located in Haro (Rioja Alta), Spain.

This bad-boy is the colour of communion grape juice and its 13 percent alcohol count says "Hello!" after half a glass.

First olfactory impressions include red berries, black licorice and raw meat -- in that order. Then again, I had it with lamb and potatoes, so maybe I was under the influence of my eyes. (I doubt it.)

I'm into Spanish reds because they taste and feel a little like blood. This one is slightly herby and was, at outset, overwhelmed by the meal (provincial lamb and plain potatoes -- it wasn't meant to be overwhelming!). It was like drinking weak club soda.

With time a slight meatiness developed, followed by the usual metallic taste -- which is where the thoughts of blood start coming in -- and a bitterness in the back of the throat, not unlike cloves, but with a slightly sweet upturn.

It didn't seem very interesting at first, but a bit of time and a few more sips betrayed a pleasant tang and blackberry aftertaste.