2016 Roda I Reserva, Bodegas Roda, Rioja, Spain
£38 per bottle, £228 for a case of six, laywheeler.com; £289.67 per case of six, goedhuis.com
We have all had to wait an eternity for the new Bond film to be released, and I have had to sit tight for a slightly shorter period for my favourite ever Roda I to arrive on our shores, and, in truth, it has felt longer than the 007 delay. But, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait, and the world’s most famous secret agent and this epic Rioja have both hit impossibly high notes with their respective performances. I have followed Bodegas Roda for all of its 34 years, and I have tasted virtually every wine this imperial estate has made, so when I say that this is the most impressive Roda I Reserva I have ever tasted, I hope it spurs you into action. The merchants listed have indicated their enthusiasm for selling this wine, and at give or take 50 quid, it is hard to think of a Spanish red to compare with this cosmic creation.
It is stunningly well-made and everything from the epic nose to the profound palate, to the oak, fruit and depth of flavour is nothing short of astounding. It is still a baby, but is perfectly balanced and can be enjoyed now. This prodigious wine will run for a decade with ease, and it is a true vinous gem that deserves to strut its stuff on the very best dining-room tables in the land. If you want to grab a cheeky little bit of Roda’s magic for everyday drinking, then look no further than the fabulous 2018 Sela (about £20, albionwineshippers.co.uk, bottleswineshop.co.uk).
Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year (matthewjukes.com)