Valduero Finca Azaya 2017

This wine from Old Castille took our judges off the beaten Tempranillo path, but everyone loved its alluring liveliness, its grace, its shapeliness and its charm. It's dark black in colour with ripe berry scents backed by bay-leaf and oak-copse complexities. The palate is mouth-filling yet softly textured, with more red berry fruits in a settled and balanced style. A mist of fine tannins adds textural interest, but it's the intrinsic quality of the fruit itself which its creators have wisely decided to put centre stage. This is a hugely amenable red capable of partnering a wide range of dishes with panache. Drink 2019-2025.