Arizcuren, Solomazuelo, Rioja 2017 92

£26 (2015) Sommelier’s Choice Architect and bodeguero Javier Arizcuren has captured the spirt of Mazuelo, not especially common as a single variety in Rioja. There are notes of cedar on the nose, backed up by red fruits. In the mouth there’s freshness and fine-grained tannin. Brisk, bright Rioja with light notes of oak. 2017 was a difficult vintage; his 2015 was a star. Track down his young Solomazuelo Anfora: it’s harder to find – only 234 bottles of the 2019 vintage were made – but I love its aromatics and energy. Drink 2021-2024