2017 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva Culmen

Recently, BHW held a warehouse tasting event for San Diego locals and this was one the most talked about wines of the day. The general consensus was, "Wow. That Rioja is amazing." You can scroll down to the reviews to see that the critics were also gushing with glowing reviews.

Right in the heart of the Rioja Alta, you'll find Bodegas LAN which is one of the great wineries in the region. Its name corresponds to the initials of the three provinces that make up La Rioja: Logroño, Álava, and Navarra.

Since its inception, just over 50 years ago, this winery has had a very clear goal: "Oenology begins with viticulture.” And to “Give all the protagonist to the vineyard and the art of knowing how to respect its natural cycle" That is why, the 170 acres of vineyards, (planted in some of the most privileged areas in La Rioja) are managed under sustainable practices, and with minimal intervention.

If you want to taste the power and greatness of a Rioja Reserva, then the Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva Rioja is your way to go. This wine was mentioned in an article by Food & Wine Magazine, where they tell us that "Rioja Gran Reserva is one of the most underrated wines on the planet, and for the money, easily one of the best deals," calling the Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva an “amazing value” wine. Robb Report also featured this wine in its article called "Bottles That Shows Rioja Is Making Some of the Best Wine for Your Money Right Now."

Culmen is the crown jewel of LAN, it hails from a special selection of ancient vines renowned for their low-yield, high-quality grapes. This exclusive delight is reserved only for exceptional vintages, representing the pinnacle of LAN's winemaking prowess. 

Crafted from 91% Tempranillo and 9% Graciano grapes handpicked from 50-60-year-old vines in the esteemed Pago "El Rincón," it's a wine that embodies LAN's dedication and expertise.

“Rioja is a great choice for people who enjoy both structure and elegance.” ~James Suckling

Aging: 25 months in new French oak barrels

91% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano. 
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

A deep and ambitiously structured Rioja with an array of fresh blue and black fruit, as well as classy oak spices and sandalwood. Full-bodied and juicy, loaded with polished tannins, but the fruit core remains dry and elegant without superfluous sweetness. Ending long and spicy. A little tight and monolithic now, so give it a year or two to evolve and soften more. Heavy bottle! ~94 James Suckling

Color, intense cherry. Aroma, ripe fruit, dried herbs, creamy oak, complex, expressive. The palate, is powerful, with ripe fruit, spice, and ripe tannins. Color, intense cherry. Aroma, dried herbs, creamy oak, black fruit, very toasted (roasted), meaty notes. The palate, is powerful, with ripe fruit, spice, and ripe tannins. Color, dark cherry, maroon edge. Aroma: ripe fruit, woodwork, tobacco, sweet spices, toasted, creamy oak. Palate, spicy, ripe tannins, long. ~94 Guia Peñin

~94 Tim Atkin

Cola and toasty notes frame plum, currant, licorice, and smoky flavors in this muscular red, which is powerful, but lively acidity keeps it balanced. Drink now.~92 Wine Spectator

A lovely wine with ripe red fruits, some smoky and toasty elements, fresh acidity, chewy tannins and a long, chocolatey finish. Lovely drinking. ~90 Decanter

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