Rioja

Defining the 1985 vintage in Rioja requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.

Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track.

The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (6mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.

**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.