Castillo Labastida Rioja 2007 - Laithwaites

One Friday evening recently, I opened and decanted a bottle of this Laithwaites Rioja to have with a meal. It had come as a freebie with a Discovery case and I was impressed by the dark cherry and vanilla on the nose, more juicy, dark cherries and a hint of eucalyptus on the palate, and full but smooth tannins on the finish.

A little unapproachable on first pouring, it opened out in the glass and was definitely improved by the roast meat we were having.

We left about half until the following evening (poured back into the bottle and re-corked) and by then it had really opened up and was at its best.

However, £7.99 (plus delivery) seems a little toppy for this - so whilst it's a good Rioja, it's not going to win any value awards here.

Links

Laithwaites - http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/