VIUDA NEGRA RIOJA CRIANZA 2020, Rioja

Opened this with dinner last night and the lively fruit really pops, with just enough of that French oak to round it out. It’s a modern style that still feels balanced and authentic, perfect for a weeknight splurge.

That 14 months in French oak really shows—the tannins are silky and the vanilla notes weave through the fruit instead of overpowering it. Poured a glass with dinner and it stayed lively from first sip to last, exactly what I want from a Crianza.

I opened this with some lamb chops and was honestly surprised how lively it felt for a crianza, that 14 months in French oak gives it a smoothness without killing the fruit. It's vivacious right out of the bottle, but I'd say let it breathe an hour and it really comes into its own.