Bodegas Benito Urbina is situated in the town of Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron in Rioja Alta. There are 75 hectares in total - 65 of Tempranillo and 10 of Graziano, Mazuelo and Viura - and the estate has been in the family hands for 4 generations. In 1975 the family decided to age and bottle their own wines and to this end major investment in the cellar and vineyards has taken place alongside a more organic approach to its viticulture. The Reserva Especial 2006 is 95% Tempranillo with a splash of Mazuelo and Graciano from 20 year old vines. Aged for 2 years in new oak and for a further 3 years in the bottle, this is an elegant and concentrated red.
A garnet-red in colour with a complex nose of dried red fruit, vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate, harmonious and rich with a velvety texture and a lengthy finish. Superb! Drink with slow braised shoulder of lamb with roasted vegetables, roast duck in a sherry sauce with Serrano ham or sauteed pheasant pieces marinated in vinegar, garlic and spices.