BoIt has been several years since I visited one of the outstanding producers in Rioja, Bodegas LAN. First founded in 1972. LAN is an acronym based on the initials of each of the three provinces that form the D.O.Ca. Rioja: Logroño (currently part of La Rioja), Alava and Navarra. Their oak program is particularly interesting as French, American, Russian and hybrid barrels (American staves and French oak heads built in the same barrel) are utilized in the blending. Bodegas LAN’s estate Viña Lanciano Vineyard parallels the Ebro river and is set on 72 hectares. The land is exceedingly beautiful at this picturesque setting.
The vineyard has 24 plots, and is planted to Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha vines, aged on average up to 60 years. During harvest grapes are hand-harvested and once in the winery, bunches and grains are individually selected by hand prior to fermentation.
A stunning value is their 2016 Bodegas LAN ‘Crianza’ (WWB, 91) which truly one of the great ‘Crianza’ wines I have ever had at this price point. This is one to purchase by the case. Even better was their 2012 Bodegas LAN ‘Reserva’ Rioja (WWB, 92) which was incredibly powerful from this warm vintage in La Rioja. Learn more about Bodegas LAN at http://www.bodegaslan.com Here are the great new release wines by Bodegas LAN.
2016 Bodega LAN ‘Crianza’ Rioja- Quite open and layered right out of the gate, the 2016 ‘Crianza’ by Bodega LAN shows off red cherry with brandy soaked orange rind and shades of coffee grounds and leather that enter the fray aromatically. The freshness here is lovely with medium-bodied pomegranate seed, cran-cherry and earthy undertones that all mingle together nicely on the palate. This is seriously outstanding at this price point as this is truly one of the better Crianza wines that I have ever had. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2015 Bodegas LAN ‘Xtreme Ecological’ Rioja- The ‘Xtreme’ Rioja opens with aromas of ripe black plum with sandalwood and leather that all mingle together in the glass. The palate is fresh, with a lovely mouthfeel. Black tea, exotic spices, and wild blackberry compote flavors all mingle with Mandarin orange zest tones on the palate. A delight to savor in its youth, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next seven plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2012 Bodegas LAN ‘Reserva’ Rioja- The 2012 Bodegas LAN ‘Reserva’ Rioja is a terrific effort from this warm vintage in Rioja which resulted in a small crop. The wine begins with aromas of tobacco leaf, milk chocolate and leather that collide with wild blackberry puree on the nose. The palate has good freshness with a wonderful sense of purity of fruit and place. Wild blackberry, black tea, leather and cigar ash favors all come together nicely on the palate. While a delight to savor in its youth, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2032- 92
2012 Bodegas LAN ‘Vina Lanciano Reserva’ Rioja- The ‘Vina Lanciano’ is a single vineyard site that is overlooking the Ebro river. The wine is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano. Smoky and earthy tones dominate the nose with salted blackberry that all round out the aromatics in the glass. The freshness of the wine is outstanding, as is the soft texture. Red fruits enter the palate, as do shades of Satsuma orange zest and smoked pork shoulder, coffee grounds and leather that all come tighter nicely on the mouth. While a delight to enjoy at this juncture, this will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2033- 93
2016 Bodegas LAN ‘D-12’ Rioja- The ‘D-12’ Rioja is sourced from small lots in the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa regions. Showing off a deep hue, the aromatics move towards chocolate and exotic spices with shades of damp earth that all collide on the nose. The balance and poise of the wine is outstanding, as lip-smacking acidity greets you with smoky and earthy undertones that connect with the ripe black fruits. Drink 2019-2025- 90