Watkins Iron-Fire Tempranillo 2021

The Watkins family grows a comprehensive range of traditional varieties as well as a few Mediterranean and Iberian newcomers. Here this Tempranillo sits within the “Mad Cousins” series which welcomes a few of the latter into the fold. It’s quite full bodied in a style reminiscent of more serious long-lasting Riserva Rioja. There’s a good deal of oak, again in a familiar sort of way, and definitely with an attractive feel for those who like the cedary stuff. Even so, the palate has plenty of energy to its black plum and dried fig flavour spectrum, while its varietal tannins offer a thick yet pliable mouth coating finish. Most definitely a rich food wine, wintery especially, and benefits from a decent airing in a decanter before serving.