RIOJA GRAN RESERVA: KNOW YOUR VINTAGES

2015 After several lean years, this is a fine vintage with some excellent early-drinking wines. The gran reservas are still young, released with minimum ageing.

2014 A return to form after the disappointing 2013s, but lacks Rioja’s hoped-for brilliance.

2013 A difficult year – the best advice is to follow the producer.

2012 Officially very good, with a number of enjoyable wines.

2011 Uneven, in the shadow of 2010, but has some good wines.

2010 This was a fine vintage to end the first decade of the 2000s and arguably the best in 2010-15. Across the board, there were wines of excellent quality and cellaring potential.