Tasting note
Bodega Martínez Bujanda is one of the finest cellars in Rioja. The family business was founded late in the 19th century, but was transformed in 1984 when the Bujanda brothers built an ultra-modern facility that is still one of the finest in Europe. The cellar wins enormous acclaim worldwide; Wine and Spirits magazine has listed them among the world's top 50 wineries for nine years running, and they have also been declared Best Rioja Winery by Wine Spectator, and Winery of the Year by Gourmets Wine Guide of Spain.

The original Bujanda winery still stands as a museum, open to visitors to their recently built, state-of-the-art facilities, housing beautifully restored winemaking equipment. The two buildings - old and new - together epitomise the family’s philosophy, of combining the best elements of traditional and modern winemaking. As well as housing temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation tanks, their recently built winery includes two barrel halls that hold 11,000 casks, which are both temperature- and humidity-controlled to ensure the wine matures in optimum conditions.

The brothers use grapes only from their own vineyards, so have complete control from grape to bottle. This fine Reserva is made mostly from Tempranillo, with a splash of Mazuelo for its acidity (which enables the wine to age). The wine was matured in American oak for 16 months to add a rich, aromatic layer of vanilla to the luscious black fruit flavours.

Bujanda Reserva 2004 has good depth of colour with a youthful purple edge. It’s full of easy creamy plum, cherry and black fruit. Soft enough to enjoy on its own, this wine also makes a fine accompaniment to white meats, risotto, paella, Mediterranean vegetable dishes like stuffed aubergine or mixed vegetable kebabs with couscous or light game birds such as pigeon. Drink by the end of 2013.

	Type:Still Red Wine		Country:Spain		Appellation:Rioja DOC
	Grape Type:Tempranillo-based blend		Drink Before:End of 2013		Body:Rich and Flavoursome
	Alcohol:13.5%		Bottle Size:75cl		Bottle Code:38379

Description
The Martínez Bujanda family are one of a handful of Rioja bodegas to own all their own vineyards – giving them total control over ripeness, yield, harvesting ... and 'you can taste it in the glass' quality.

Voted in the World’s top 50 wineries by Wine Spectator nine years running, brothers Carlos and Jesús refuse to rest on their laurels, saying “We treat each vintage as our first and make it the best we can” ... and each year they continue to amaze us with their superb Reserva Rioja.

Stunningly elegant, the juciy, smooth Tempranillo is ‘beefed up’ by the ripest Mazuelo (a traditional Rioja grape which adds colour and depth) from ancient, low-yielding vines. Patient ageing in new French and American oak barrels has given a wine of thrilling depth and purity. Simply outstanding.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2008, United Kingdom