2014 La Rioja Alta S.A. Vina Arana Gran Reserva Rioja DOCa

La Rioja Alta is a grand old estate founded (and still owned) by four wine growing families in 1890. The wines are produced from estate-owned, low yielding and old vineyards that are still produced in a very traditional way. The winery's commitment to quality extends to keeping all production of oak in-house, utilising their own cooperage on site.

A blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano. Maturation takes place in 3-year-old American oak for 3 years, followed by extended aging in bottle prior to release. Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Intense and earthy the nose offers up a mix of ripe blackcurrant and black cherry scents which are followed by liquorice, new leather and spice. Rich and full with fleshy blackcurrant, black cherry and liquorice fruits to the fore which are underscored by earthy leather elements, dried tobacco and spicy dried herbs. Excellent concentration and power with ripe chewy tannins providing great structure. Concludes long, ripe and complex.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
Lots of mushroom and walnut aromas with plum and leather, too. It’s full-bodied, but very soft and creamy-textured with lots of old wood, mushroom and ripe fruit on the finish. Some chocolate and hazelnut. Complex and gorgeous. Drink or hold.
96 points
JamesSuckling.com