Bodegas LAN Rioja Gran Reserva 2018

Bodegas LAN Rioja Gran Reserva, La Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2018

Grapes: A blend of 96% Tempranillo & 4% Mazuelo, aged 25 months in French & American oak barrels and a further 36 months in bottle in the cellars before release.

Producer Tasting Note:

Garnet in colour, with ruby hues. On the nose, aromas of ripe black fruits and figs combine with vanilla, smoke and cinnamon, the result of the extended oak ageing, and tertiary aromas of leather and tobacco from prolonged bottle ageing. On the palate the wine is full bodied and round, with velvety tannins and a crisp acidity which balances the intense flavours and carries them onto the lingering finish.

Criticaal Acclaim:

"Colour ,cherry, garnet rim. Aroma ,balsamic herbs, ripe fruit, scrubland, spicy, neat, balanced. Flavour ,flavourful, spicy, long, aged character, balanced."

92/100 points, GUIA PENIN (Spain), June 2025

Also awarded 90/100 points, Tim Atkin MW, January 2026

Estate: The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from 40-year-old, low-yielding vines in the Haro, Villalba and Foncea areas of Rioja Alta. The Mazuelo comes from Bodegas LAN's spectacular Viña Lanciano vineyard, located on a meander of the River Ebro. This top-quality fruit is extremely concentrated in flavour and capable of standing up to extended periods of oak ageing.

Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN is situated in the heart of Rioja Alta. Though a relatively young producer, the bodega has gained a well-deserved reputation for excellent quality wines. Its name is an acronym of each of the provinces it straddles: Logroño, Álava and Navarra. 

Food Match: Smoky lamb chops with spicy paprika patatas bravas