LAN

You know a wine is special when you find yourself saving empty bottles of past vintages; at the very least, reminders, I guess, to get more if the opportunity presents itself.

Bodegas LAN is an estate in Rioja Alta, Spain established in 1972.  Rioja is the finest wine region of Spain and Alta is the finest region of Rioja.  Three provinces within Alta are Logorno (now La Rioja), Alava and Navarra which each lend their first letter to the winery name.

The LAN wine we are so enamored with is their Edicion Limitada which is a blend of 82% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 8% Graciano.  These grapes are handpicked from 35-40 year old vines before sorting twice over two tables in the winery for quality control.  The winery is a modern facility with a native Rioja winemaker who emphasizes lees stirring and a malolactic fermentation.  The young wine is left unfiltered and unclarified before aging in French barriques for eight months. 

What you end up with is a nose displaying black cherry, licorice, black olive and some cigar box.  On the palate you get more black fruit and spice along with soft tannins.  If this sounds good to you stop in and start your own empty bottle collection.