Barón de Barbón Oak Aged Rioja 2022

Barón de Barbón has been collecting medals and press accolades ever since it first came to international fame in 2001. The triumphs include an International Wine Challenge Wine of the Year award, and the UK’s Sunday Express went on record with “this is what true Rioja is all about.”

And it’s no wonder why: Father-and-son team Julián and Javier Murúa are masters at their craft.

This vintage was made by Javier, whose trademark is crafting the wine in an approachable, modern style. It delivers more of the same velvety, mellow flavors fans have come to love, brimming with fresh strawberry and subtly spiced vanilla oak notes. It’sabsolutely delicious drinkable, oak-aged Rioja.

Delicious on its own, it’d also be fantastic with a plate of jamón serrano (dry-cured ham, a regional specialty) and Manchego, a traditional, hard cheese made from sheep’s milk, or with grilled lamb.

Fair warning: every vintage of the Barón sells fast, so now’s the time to stock up.