Viña Lanciano Reserva 2016

The 72ha Viña Lanciano vineyard sits in a privileged location, in a curve in the Ebro river. The vines dig deep to find nutrients on this pebble-strewn former riverbed. Grapes for this estate wine were harvested and sorted by hand, with maximum extraction ensured by fermentation in small, cone-shaped stainless steel tanks and long maceration. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Restrained nose, showing French oak and rich blackberry fruit. A deep and complex palate, with juicy tannins and a long, complex finish. Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW: Full of dark fruit and spice notes, oak well integrated now, apparent but not dominant. Long, characterful finish with fine freshness. Pierre Mansour: Woody, dark fruit and cedar smoke notes, with round, soft, creamy oak. An intense wine that has fine-textured tannins and a long, oaky, fruity finish.

Sourced from the finca of the same name, Viña Lanciano is a very modern expression of the site, produced from Tempranillo with 5% Graciano and Mazuelo. Serious, oaky and impressively structured, with good concentration for a lighter vintage, refreshing acidity and sinewy tannins. 2023-28. 

Notes of cherries, vanilla, blackcurrants, dried tobacco leaf and bark. Medium to full body with polished tannins and fresh acidity. Fleshy and juicy with a long, flavorful finish. Still elegant. Drink or hold.