La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Gran Reserva

“Great Rioja, as traditional as it gets, in good quantity and moderate (and often plain great) prices.” Luis Gutierrez, the Wine Advocate

“Quite simply, these are some of the finest Riojas that can grace your cellar: complex, refined, classic but without compromising fruit intensity and to reiterate: wines that speak about where they come from.” Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate

The makeup of the wine has changed from the original Viña Arana, replacing the Mazuelo to the Graciano grape. The Graciano (5%) gives the wine an aromatic intensity and acidity, to carry the structure and elegance of the Tempranillo (95%).

The makeup of the wine has changed from the original Viña Arana, replacing the Mazuelo to the Graciano grape. The Graciano (6%) gives the wine an aromatic intensity and acidity, to carry the structure and elegance of the Tempranillo (94%). This great vintage of Viña Arana Gran Reserva comes from 40 year-old vineyards in Las Cuevas, El Palo and Las Monjas in Rodezno and Montecillo estate in Fuenmayor. The grapes are vinified separately in American oak for 3 years, and racked as few times as possible.

Although being irresistible now, the Viña Arana will continue to age gracefully over the next 10 years.

"Aromas of dark plum, raspberry, mocha, mushroom, chocolate, mocha, coconut and cigar box. Full-bodied with ripe, fine tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and supple with a velvety texture. Coffee notes on the long, succulent finish. 95% tempranillo and 5% graciano. Drink or hold" 95 pts, James Suckling

"Graciano helps our Gran Reservas to age," says Julio Sáenz of this blend with 94% Tempranillo. Still youthful, this is a classic expression of the perfumed, American oak-influenced La Rioja Alta style, with notes of coconut and sweet baking spices, fine tannins and refreshing underlying acidity. 2023-30 d" 94 points, Tim Atkin MW

"Beautiful nose coconut cream, vanilla and mocha nose. Smooth and mellow on the rich velvety palate with lots of sweet spices, dates and chocolate-covered currants. Long-lasting and utterly delicious." 96 pts, Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

"Brilliant ruby. Energetic, spice- and smoke-accented black raspberry and candied cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of rose oil, coconut and cured tobacco. Youthfully chewy and focused on entry, offering concentrated red and dark berry, cherry cola and candied licorice flavors that deepen steadily with air. Floral pastille and oak spice notes linger on the impressively long, smoke-tinged finish, which shows excellent clarity and polished tannins" 94 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous