Rioja and Roda.

Roda Reserva , Rioja, 2005, £23.00. Stockists: Oddbins, Caviste Tel: 01256-770397, Tanners Tel: 01743-234500.
From the outstanding 2005 vintage, Roda is made from Tempranillo, Garnacha and interestingly 9% Graciano, which adds aroma, intensity of colour and ageing potential to the blend. It might come with a pretty serious price tag but the impressive medium to full bodied intensity of dark fruit flavours, savoury influence from the French oak and the length of finish means that I rank Roda as one of the most impressive Riojas I have tasted for sometime.The 2005 can be quite happily opened, swirled around in your wine glass, and then savoured for another 5-7 years. Drink with lamb or beef and bring yourself into the world of The Tindersticks and Falling down the Mountain.