Neal Martin rates wines from Bodegas LAN

Neal Martin has recently reviewed wines from our Rioja producer Bodegas LAN. Many of their new release wines obtained more than 90 points.

92 points : 2005 Lan Lanciano Reserva
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. Neal Martin (August, 2012)

93 points : 2005 Lan Gran Reserva
"The 2005 Gran Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano: a selection of the best grapes from 20- to 25-year-old vines that is then aged in American and French oak for 24 months. It has an intense minty nose of blackberry, smoke and grilled meats that is well-defined, but surprisingly taut considering the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with a tarry, leathery entry. The tannins are fine and linear, the finish classic in style with a dash of white pepper and tar. This is a very well-made Gran Reserva drinking beautifully now, but certainly it has the substance to keep. Drink now-2022. "Neal Martin (August, 2012)

91 points : 2008 Lan Lan A Mano Edicion Limitada
"The 2008 Lan A Mano Edicion Limitada is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano selected from 35-year-old vines from “Pago El Rincon” and “Vina Lanciano” vineyards, aged in new French oak for six months and then four months in new Russian casks. That oak influence dominates the aromatics, but underneath that carapace are dark plum, boysenberry and licorice notes that will surface with bottle age. The palate is certainly more modern in style compared to the rest of Lan’s portfolio with sumptuous, decadent dark plum and cassis fruit and an unashamed voluptuous finish. Yet it is still very well-crafted and will appeal to those that like a silky sheen to their Rioja wines. Drink 2014-2020. " Neal Martin (August, 2012)

91 points : 2007 Lan Reserva
"The 2007 Reserva is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo that is aged in American and French oak for at least 15 months. It has a generous nose of red cherries, over-ripe oranges and Indian ink that is attractive, if not overly complex. The palate is rounded and slightly leathery on the entry. It constitutes a sedate, mellow Reserva that has a classical personality. There is nothing wrong with that and I appreciate the balance and refinement on the off-dry finish. Drink now-2020." Neal Martin (August, 2012)

90 points : 2009 Lan D 12
"The 2009 Lan D-12 is a pure Tempranillo sourced from four parcels in Rioja Alta that is raised for ten months in American and French oak. It has a well-defined, floral bouquet with touches of lavender and rosemary infusing the ripe dark cherry fruit. The palate is well-balanced with succulent, ripe tannins lending this a sumptuous texture, although I would have liked a little more finesse and complexity towards the sinewy finish. Still, this is a pleasing Rioja that should age nicely. Drink now-2018." Neal Martin (August 2012)