2005 Aurus, Finca Allende, Rioja

Miguel Angel's two favourite wines, from outside Spain, needless to say, are Bordeaux and Burgundy. His homage to the latter is the Calvario, to the former is the Aurus. Beyond the tell-tale bottle shapes, the differences are subtle and intriguing; the Aurus 2005 is made from 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano and was aged for no fewer than 25 months in 100% new French oak. The result, especially given the warm vintage, is a incredibly powerful wine; rich and creamy, with black cherries, damson and liqueur.... a brooding beast, bristling with cellar potential and the will to live for a very long time.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)