Real de Asúa Rioja 2011

A hot, dry year in Rioja, but this is balanced. Still young, with depth and power, clear cocoa bean, liqourice, cinnammon, star anise, turmeric spice notes, well structured and full of pleasure, modern style in its sculpted concentration with depth and grip through the palate. Keeps improving over a few hours in a carafe, a real star of the lineup.