Ermita de San Lorenzo Gran Selección 2018

As the late Spanish wine expert John Radford once wrote in Decanter, the tiny enclave of Campo de Borja is “the source of some of the best value wines from Spain, if not the world”. It remains true. Where else could you find such a mellow, complex, oak-aged red at this price? It’s made by our old friend Pamela Geddes at the 500-year-old Bodegas Ruberte. 60% of the wine is Garnacha from vines planted in 1958. They’re not as prolific these days, but the intensity of flavour in the grapes is impressive. The balance is Cabernet Sauvignon, which adds classic cassis character and structure to the spicy, raspberry-rich Garnacha. A rich, velvety-smooth, fragrant Spanish red with vanilla hints imparted by oak. A great choice with lamb or tapas.