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La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 (Spain: Rioja) (ID# 3465)

Name La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 (ID# 3465)
Varietal Tempranillo & Graciano
Region Spain: Rioja
Notes "Classic nose with savoury character over a sweet spices background with elegant cigar box notes. Quite mouth watering with a full body and chewy mid-palate." (Decanter Magazine) "Brambleberries, licorice, dried blueberries, cedar, tobacco, smoke, vanilla, dried citrus and even a hint of grapefruit. The lazer-sharp acidity evinces a real sense of purity, and the tannins are really edgy and structured. Full-bodied but very elegant and stylish. The finish goes on and on, thanks to the shimmering acidity. Beautiful now, but better in 2024." (James Suckling)

Additional Notes

"The 2012 Viña Arana Gran Reserva shows that character, as it's ripe and has concentration but is quite balanced. There are some creamy notes and plenty of underbrush, wet forest floor, spice and smoke, very recognizable as Rioja. It's clean, aromatic and open. Very pleasant and approachable, with enough grip to stand up to most foods. This is already a Gran Reserva." (Wine Advocate) "La Rioja Alta didn't make a 904 Gran Reserva in 2012, so some of the grapes went into this cuvée of Tempranillo with 5% Graciano. There's lots of sweet, coconutty American oak here framing the bramble and summer berry flavors and an appealing balsamic undertone. True to La Rioja Alta's enormously successful style. 2020-28." (Tim Atkin)

Price

$49.99

Scores Press* Points Other Gold Star
DEC: 97 pts
JS: 95 pts  
TA: 93 pts  
Other ABV% Body Oak Bio/Natural/Org/Sus
13.5 Full Light Organic

*
DEC = Decanter
JS = James Suckling
VIN = Vinous
WA = Wine Advocate (Robert Parker)
WE = Wine Enthusiast
WS = Wine Spectator
W&S = Wine & Spirits Magazine