Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2008 75cl

Quite new to the Rioja landscape, Bodegas Altanza was established along the upper region in a small town called Fuenmayor in 1998. With a clear vision, the estate was built on the pillars of creating quality, but reasonably priced livelier Rioja wines. Today, the sizable property consists of over 300 hectares, with 200 hectares planted to Tempranillo. But the winery also dedicates quite a large portion of their land to olive oil production. Their wines are modern, and refined. They follow traditional vinification processes - fermenting their reds in stainless-steel tanks, with malolactic carried out in large Allier oak vats. Their wines are then aged in a mix of new and old oak, mostly of French origin, but also some casks from America and Russia. In just a few years the bodega has assembled a superb reputation, ten of their wines have already been rated above 90 points by Robert Parker. Of their high ranking wines, several are Lealtanza reds, which are in line with the classic Rioja style, but show an obvious presence of fruit that is not overpowered by oak. At the center of the Rioja Alta, the bodega produces some of the most sought after Reservas in the appellation, they are rich, full, and delicious.