Telmo Rodriguez - Bodega Lanzaga Rioja 2012

The 2012 Lanzaga shows the character of the year, but comes through as fresher and better balanced than the already impressive 2011. This blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano is sourced from their 14 hectares of organically farmed, head-pruned vineyards in the village of Lanciego. It fermented in 6,000-kilo cement vats with indigenous yeasts, and matured in a combination of 1,500- and 2,500-liter foudres and 225-liter barriques for some 14 months. The nose is elegant, subtle and balanced, with ripe fruit without excess and nicely integrated oak. The palate shows nice concentration and power keeping the poise and elegance, with good balance, fine tannins and moderate acidity. Nice combination of elegance and power. 31,390 bottles produced.

I was quite intrigued about the 2013 Las Beatas, because when I tasted if from the oak vat, they were not very optimistic. I guess this is because they experienced the problems of the harvest and I didn't, because I didn't find it that bad. In fact, it had great freshness and tension, and felt less ripe than 2011 and 2012. Telmo Rodríguez and his partner Pablo Eguzkiza were gentle enough to do a mini vertical of this instant icon of Rioja, including the just-bottled 2014, which will be release in one more year and I'll review officially in my next round. I also tasted Las Beatas next to the other top wines from Rioja, Artadi's El Pisón and Alvaro Palacio's Quiñón de Valmira, which made for a fascinating comparison--as the three wines showed very different character.