97 Don Jacobo, Rioja Reserva

I usually run from the dilly smell of terrorizingly strong American oak, but the 97 Don Jacobo called me in like whatever the nasal equivalent is of the Sirens calling Odysseus to shipwreck. With my nose tied to the mast, I sail through into an alluring sea of earthy plums, black cherries, and mineral. The oaky aroma becomes wholesome, singing faintly in the background as the wine drifts into something much more mature.