The 2008 Crianza is aged for 12 months in American and French oak. The nose is rather subdued despite rigorous coaxing: introverted black fruit with tertiary aromas that I would like to have seen more of. The palate is nicely balanced with slightly chewy, broad-shouldered tannins and a bold, grippy finish that is brutish at the moment. A few months bottle age will do this keenly priced Crianza no harm. Drink 2013-2017. Bodegas Lan was established in 1972 and after a number of itinerant owners, they settled with an investment group, Mercapital, in 2002. Their winery is based in the town of Fuenmayor in Rioja Alta. They own 70 hectares of vineyard, the remainder out-sourced and the wine is raised in a combination of different oak regimes in their barrel cellar that can accommodate some 25,000 barrels. I was impressed by the consistency of these wines that are well-crafted and with a propensity to age. Importer: Well Oiled Wine Company, Leesburg, VA; tel. (703) 771-1477

Cherry, licorice and light earthy flavors mingle in this firm red, which has grip, but the tannins turn a bit dry on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 200,000 cases made, 25,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add