2017 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva Culmen

Recently, BHW held a warehouse tasting event for San Diego locals and this was one the most talked about wines of the day. The general consensus was, "Wow. That Rioja is amazing." If you love full throttled Napa Cab that’s not shy and full of rich, toasted oak and concentrated blue and red fruits, you’ll love this wine. Compare to a $150+ Napa Cab.

You can scroll down to the reviews to see that the critics were also gushing with glowing reviews.

Right in the heart of the Rioja Alta, you'll find Bodegas LAN, one of the great wineries in the region. If you go just about any top restaurant in Spain, you’ll undoubtedly see LAN - it’s associated with all the best restaurants and hotels. Its name corresponds to the initials of the three provinces that make up La Rioja: Logroño, Álava, and Navarra.

Since its inception, just over 50 years ago, this winery has had a very clear goal: "Oenology begins with viticulture.” And to “Give all the protagonist to the vineyard and the art of knowing how to respect its natural cycle" That is why, the 170 acres of vineyards, (planted in some of the most privileged areas in La Rioja) are managed under sustainable practices, and with minimal intervention.

If you want to taste the power and greatness of a Rioja Reserva, then the Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva Rioja is your way to go. This wine was mentioned in an article by Food & Wine Magazine, where they tell us that "

Rioja Gran Reserva is one of the most underrated wines on the planet, and for the money, easily one of the best deals," calling the Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva an “amazing value” wine. Robb Report also featured this wine in its article called "Bottles That Shows Rioja Is Making Some of the Best Wine for Your Money Right Now."

Culmen is the crown jewel of LAN, it hails from a special selection of ancient vines renowned for their low-yield, high-quality grapes. This exclusive delight is reserved only for exceptional vintages, representing the pinnacle of LAN's winemaking prowess.

Crafted from 91% Tempranillo and 9% Graciano grapes handpicked from 50-60-year-old vines in the esteemed Pago "El Rincón," it's a wine that embodies LAN's dedication and expertise.

“Rioja is a great choice for people who enjoy both structure and elegance.” ~James Suckling

Aging: 25 months in 100% new French oak barrels