La Rioja Alta: Vina Arana Reserva 2011

Parker über: Vina Arana Reserva

-- Parker: The sleek and polished 2011 Viña Arana is mostly Tempranillo with 5% Mazuelo from vineyards in Rodezno and Labastida. The destemmed and crushed grapes fermented in stainless steel followed by a slow malolactic. The wine matured in used, neutral American oak barrels for three years. It's very balsamic, possibly from the extended élevage, with aromas of cigar ash, incense, noble woods, vanilla and cocoa. The palate is polished, with resolved tannins and nice, integrated acidity. 150,000 bottles produced. It's been in bottle since July 2015. They uncorked a bottle of the 1985, and the wine was lively with a developed nose, great complexity and a velvety palate. It's a wine that ages very well. 91/100