2004 Vina Arana Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Vina Arana Reserva, a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo that is aged in oak for 36 months, has a well-defined vibrant chocolate-tinged bouquet with touches of saddle-leather, cinnamon and ox-blood that unfurl beautifully in the glass. The palate is very well-balanced with a caressing, sensual texture and subtle leather and peppermint notes on the finish. This is a wonderful Rioja that momentarily transports you to the vineyard. Drink 2014-2025+. La Rioja Alta formed part of my “classic Rioja” day that included Lopez de Heredia and Muga, the triumvirate of wineries in Haro all but a minute’s stroll from each other (which would have been fine, but for the spontaneous downpours). I have admired their wines for many years, Rioja that speaks so eloquently and with such clarity of their place. La Rioja Alta was founded in the town of Haro in 1890. They own 450 hectares of vineyard from which their entire portfolio is sourced, predominantly Tempranillo complemented by Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Another tenet is their use of American rather than French oak. The wood is cured for two years outdoors before being shaped and hammered into barrels at their own cooperage. Although the estate owns vines in Ribera del Duero and Rias Baixas (to be covered in later reports) I focused upon recent releases from their two Rioja lines: Torre de Ona and of course, La Rioja Alta itself. Quite simply, these are some of the finest Riojas that can grace your cellar: complex, refined, classic but without compromising fruit intensity and to reiterate: wines that speak about where they come from. Importer: various importers in the US, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Southern Wine & Spirits, www.southernwine.com, and The Country Vintner, Oilville, VA; tel. (800) 365-9463
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
95% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo from the Rodezno and Labastida areas of Rioja Alta and a winery founded in 1890. Vines are planted on marlstone and a relatively late harvest took place after a cooler than usual ripening process. After fining and racking (by hand and candlelight), the new wine was transferred to three-year-old American oak barrels (made in their own cooperage) in March 2005 for three years, with racking from barrel to barrel every six months. Bottled November 2008. TA 5.7 g/l, pH 3.65. Less mellow and more aggressive on the nose than the Ardanza. Just a little raw. Should get there but it’s a bit too youthful for me. (JR)
Dark red. Deeply pitched cherry and blackcurrant aromas are complemented by smoked meat, licorice and a hint of leather. Chewy, palate-staining dark fruit flavors are slow to unfold, eventually showing a sweet floral pastille quality and a hint of bitter cherry pit. Finishes with solid tannic grip and a lingering note of candied rose. Give this some time.
About the producer
Based in Haro, La Rioja Alta is one of Rioja’s most famous, traditional wine producers – alongside the likes of López de Heredia, Muga and CVNE.