2004, Conde de Los Andes, Tinto, Rioja, Spain
Conde de los Andes is one of the most prestigious wineries & cellars in the Rioja region. It was bought in 2014 by the Murua family (Bodegas Muriel), who have lovingly restored the cellars to their former glory with wines dating back to 1892. The wine underwent 25 days of fermentation in stainless steel vats, & matured in French and American oak barrels for 20-24 months, plus a very prolonged time in the bottle of more than 12 years to allow the tertiary flavours to develop.
The wine comes from single vineyards and the producers have decided against using the regular terminology (Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva) to classify the wine. The wine is only made in the very best years and 2004 is widely regarded as one of (if not the best) vintages in Rioja. The spectrum between primary fruit, oak and tertiary flavours is covered here bringing exactly what you want from an 18 year-old Rioja.