2011 Lanzaga Rioja Bodega Lanzaga Telmo Rodriguez

A blend of grapes from red and white soils in Lanciego, this impressive Tempranillo sees no new oak at all, allowing the fruit flavours to run free rein. Scented, fresh and very mineral, it's very much a high altitude style, showing elegance in a hot vintage, even at 14,5%.

The 2011 Lanzaga is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano from different zones of the village of Lanciego fermented in cement vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in a combination of 1,500- and 2,500-liter foudres and 225-liter barriques. It is a pure and elegant wine which does not transmit any notes that would give a hint of the heat of the vintage, very elegant. The palate is silky and balanced, with very fine tannins and enough acidity. They used more grapes from the higher- altitude vineyards and produced a little less quantity to obtain this impressive wine. A very good showing, especially for the vintage.