Today we share the story of Bodega Lanzaga, founded by eminent winemaker Telmo Rodríguez. Bodega Lanzaga was founded back in 1998 with a radical mission to focus on small-parcel, small-production wines from places that speak to the essence of Rioja. The house sources from organically farmed vineyards in and around the villages of Lanciego (population: 650) and Labastida (population: 1,500).
Telmo Rodríquez was born into the family that owns and operates the Remelluri estate in Rioja. As a young man, he worked at Cos d’Estournel in Bordeaux, Chave in Hermitage, Clape in Cornas, and Beaucastel in Chateauneuf, before returning to his family winery. His new wines were fabulous. I love the 2020 ‘Lanzaga’ Rioja (OB, 93) which is dense and chewy with loads of dense dark fruits. Here are my reviews of the new Riojas from Bodega Lanzaga.
2021 Bodega Lanzaga ‘Corriente’ Rioja- The 2021 Bodega Lanzaga ‘Corriente’ Rioja offers a soft mouthfeel with loads of black and red fruits alongside salty minerals and herbal accents on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2022 Bodega Lanzaga ‘LZ’ Rioja- A great blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano, the 2022 ‘LZ’ offers dense red fruits that mingle well with chocolate, wet stone and coffee grounds on the palate. Nicely textured, this is really delicious to enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2020 Bodega Lanzaga ‘Lanzaga’ Rioja- The 2020 ‘Lanzaga’ Rioja comes from the Rioja Alavesa and was stored in oak barrels for 14 months before bottling. It comes off beautifully-textured with concentrated red currants, tobacco leaf and wild blackberry flavors that parade with milk chocolate on the palate. A decadent, delicious Rioja, made in the modern style, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93