This is one of those wines that has a cult following, not just in Spain but internationally. It has density with a dark fruit profile of black plum and blueberry. It has complexity with cocoa, black pepper and balsamic notes. And it certainly has power, with a taut, firm palate.  It’s made predominantly of Tempranillo with 6% Graciano and 4% Garnacha, from bush vines grown in Rioja vineyards ranging from 350 to 650 metres above sea level. It’s aged in 50% new, and 50% second year French barrels for 16 months, with cellaring in bottle for 20 months before release. 2017 was a particularly dry season and an early harvest.

Roda is an ambitious project founded in 1987 by Mario Rotllan and Carmen Daurella, named using the first 2 letters of their surnames. From 17 different Rioja vineyards, they produce fine wines that walk a fine line between being modernist and traditionalist. They’re committed to the indigenous varieties of Rioja, and have done an incredible amount of research into the different clones of Tempranillo in particular. They’ve recently obtained WfCP (Wineries for Climate Protection) certification.