Finca la Atalaya 2020

The red that behaves the way a Reserva should.

Ben: Three grapes, three separate harvests: the Merlot came in on October 7th, the Tinto Fino a day later, the Cabernet six days after that — each fermented its own way before they meet in the blend. Then seventeen months in oak, mostly French, and a year in the bottle before release. The house classic — and the one red here that also works with a dark-chocolate dessert.

In your glass: The old-school glass of the range: dark fruit, a touch of vanilla from the oak — a smell, not sugar — and a firm, mouth-drying finish that asks for dinner. The waiting is already done in the cellar — this one is ready now. Pick it for the evenings when you want the classic Ribera everyone imagines; skip it if oak isn't your thing — and that's fine.

Serve it: Open it an hour early, or give it 15 minutes in the fridge if the room is warm.

You’ll probably love it if: Sunday-roast reds are your reds — this one behaves the way a Reserva should.

Skip it if: Same estate, less oak → Vino de Finca (€28.10). Want big and firm at a Tuesday price → the red Bilaire (€10.50).