Bodegas Lan Rioja Alta Culmen Reserva 2019 [VM 94]

Vinous Media 94 points.

"The 2019 Culmen is a blend of 87% Tempranillo and 13% Graciano sourced from the 1959-planted vines in Pago El Rincon, Rioja Alta. Aged for 22 months in oak barrels, this garnet wine reveals aromas of wild herbs, sour cherry and thyme, complemented by hints of mint and bay leaf. On the palate, it is dry, rich and bold, with fine-grained tannins leading to a loosely structured mouthfeel. This is a complex and savory Rioja." 1850 cases made.

Culmen Reserva is a classic of both the LAN cellar and La Rioja. Culmen Reserva is made from the Tempranillo (85%) and Graciano (15%) varieties. The grapes come from a rigorous selection of vines over 40 years old in Rincon (Viña Lanciano). The vineyards have a yield of 3.800kg per hectare.

For processing, the must is fermented in conical tanks with the intention of facilitating the extraction of colour. The wine is macerated with the skins for three weeks.

After winemaking, Culmen Reserva is aged for 22 months in new barrels of French fine grain oak from the Troncaise and Allier forests. Once bottled, the wine rests for two years. Culmen Reserva is a limited production wine.

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