The flagship 2005 Vina Lanciano Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Mazuelo from 30-year-old vines from the namesake vineyard. It is then aged for six months in Russian oak barrels and 15 months in French oak. It has a very distinct, smoky, hickory scented bouquet that is vivacious and well-defined, while the palate is underpinned by fleshy, rounded tannins. It builds nicely towards a meaty, savory, animally finish that has individualism and personality, although it desperately cries out for a hearty meat dish to accompany it! Excellent. Drink now-2018. 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

This silky red delivers cherry and pomegranate fruit swathed in cedar, spice and tobacco flavors. This has firm tannins, but remains supple and polished, with cocoa and candied orange notes on the finish. Tempranillo and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2015. 5,000 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add