Finca La Pica 1982

This delicious piece of vinous history is from Bodegas Valoria, which specialises in old vintages of Rioja. Wine Advocate was certainly impressed with this wine and its surprisingly youthful flavours back in 2013, and predicted at least five years of drinking pleasure to come. Four years ageing in American oak casks and many years in bottle have added layers of mellow complexity to this wine, which is as intriguing as it is long. As with all mature reds, allow the bottle to stand upright a few hours so any sediment drops to the bottom, then decant carefully. No need to let the wine breathe – it’s done that slowly for 35 years! Savour with other Rioja lovers, on its own or with simple white meat dishes, to best appreciate the wine.