2012 Viña Arana, Gran Reserva, La Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain

This is the first vintage of Viña Arana as a Gran Reserva (it was previously a Reserva) and it’s immediately apparent it belongs alongside La Rioja Alta’s other Gran Reservas 904 and 890, albeit one that fits the profile for slightly earlier drinking. A classic Rioja Alta blend of Tempranillo (95%) and Graciano (5%) from vines that are over 40 years old, it is the latter which gives the Arana a majestic aromatic lift. All the things you want from traditionally aged Rioja are here in abundance; strawberries, vanilla, balsamic. Aged for three years in American oak, with the standard Rioja Alta racking every six months, the wines were blended in March 2016 and have been aged in bottle since, doing a fair amount of the hard work for you. This is certainly good to go now, but – like all the top wines from the estate – will age effortlessly for many years. A welcome addition to an already great range.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager (spring 2019)

“La Rioja Alta […] number among the world's most aromatically complex, food-friendly wines-wines that can truly stand comparison to the top Bordeaux and Burgundies.” Stephen Tanzer, Vinous