Made for use as a communion wine, it is suitably soft, sweet and approachable.

Marqués de Riscal began with a dream back in 1858 and over 150 years later, the Bodega decided to commemorate the 150th Anniversary with a Gran Reserva Rioja that befitted the history and standing of such great wines. The result it this outstanding Tempranillo blend from the 2001 vintage, a truly special vintage in the Rioja region. Dark cherry in colour with complex aromas of balsamic, charred wood and layers of spices. The palate follows with a viscous mouthfeel with a good concentration of tannins and acid structure. A truly remarkable Rioja that pays a great tribute.

Spanish big guns, Remírez de Ganuza have produced a quite sublime old vine Tempranillo blend from the famed Rioja region that will defy all expectations. A luscious aroma of asian spicies and black fruits greet the nose before unfurling into flavours of dark berry fruit, cigar box, mushroom and blood plum. Brilliantly structured with life in front of it that will stretch with ease to 2025. If you're looking for a taste of Spanish royalty, start here.

There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.

Bin 138 is inspired by the wines of Southern Rhône, where Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro are blended to create full-bodied wines. Each year fruit for Bin 138 is sourced from old Barossa Valley vines (some more than 100 years old) and matured for 12 to 15 months in seasoned oak hogsheads to allow the different varietals to shine through. Bin 138 is defined by its distinctive plum, raspberry pastille and underlying spicy notes. The first vintage release of this varietal blend was the 1992, labelled Old Vine Barossa Valley it was then elevated to Bin status for the 1998 vintage. Medium-bodied and refined, expect an initial outer husk of berried flavours followed by a mid-palate burst of fruits. It has Grenache driven aromatics with cherry and strawberry fondue aromas somewhat indulged by a fairy floss and sherbet dustiness. 93 Points, Huon Hooke, October 2016. 93 Points, Tyson Stelzer, October 2016.

BODEGAS Y VINEDOS ARTAZU Santa Cruz de Artazu Tinto Grenache, Navarra

This wine from vineyards in San Martín de Unx shows the personality of Garnacha from the Baja Montaña de Navarra and the wine-growing roots of this medieval town. The vineyards for this wine are 35 years old and sit on the slopes of the Zaramendi area at an altitude of more than 600 meters. The resulting Garnacha has intense floral and spicy aromas. Fresh and energetic, with slender and delicate structured tannins. A wine with true character.