2018 LAN Crianza 2015 LAN Reserva 2005 LAN Gran Reserva
It’s always nice to try an extended Rioja vertical. You really get a sense of the house style. The last time I did a LAN vertical was with the 2012, 2010, and 2008. I like that LAN does not overdo the usage of oak. All wines were paired with Spanish-style meatballs in tomato sauce, as well as Moroccan lentil chili with couscous.
The 2018 LAN Crianza had a touch of oak and mint on the nose. It clashed a bit with the tomatoes. Recommend pairing with lighter proteins like roast chicken or pork loin. Drink now.
The 2015 LAN Reserva offers chocolate and a hint of mint on the nose, as well as bit of chocolate on the palate. It paired very well with the meatballs and chili. It is a terrific value, often found under $20. This is approaching or at peak. Drink now through 2030.
The 2005 LAN Gran Reserva nose was very similar to the 2015 Reserva. It showed tertiary color and flavor (a bit of prune). It would pair very well with unsauced red meat, such as steak with a dash of black pepper. Rioja Gran Reservas have the stones to be birth year wines without breaking the bank, and this is no exception. Drink now through 2028.
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Had with grilled pork chops. Very nice, balanced nose. Beautiful notes of red and blue fruits. Everything else is good to very good in terms of entry, mid-palate & finish. A good example of the varietal. Excellent QPR.
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4/7/2024 - ptaylor2112 wrote:
Vertical of:
2018 LAN Crianza
2015 LAN Reserva
2005 LAN Gran Reserva
It’s always nice to try an extended Rioja vertical. You really get a sense of the house style. The last time I did a LAN vertical was with the 2012, 2010, and 2008. I like that LAN does not overdo the usage of oak. All wines were paired with Spanish-style meatballs in tomato sauce, as well as Moroccan lentil chili with couscous.
The 2018 LAN Crianza had a touch of oak and mint on the nose. It clashed a bit with the tomatoes. Recommend pairing with lighter proteins like roast chicken or pork loin. Drink now.
The 2015 LAN Reserva offers chocolate and a hint of mint on the nose, as well as bit of chocolate on the palate. It paired very well with the meatballs and chili. It is a terrific value, often found under $20. This is approaching or at peak. Drink now through 2030.
The 2005 LAN Gran Reserva nose was very similar to the 2015 Reserva. It showed tertiary color and flavor (a bit of prune). It would pair very well with unsauced red meat, such as steak with a dash of black pepper. Rioja Gran Reservas have the stones to be birth year wines without breaking the bank, and this is no exception. Drink now through 2028.
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12/30/2023 - Zed57 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Easy drinking but with enough structure to keep it serious. Can’t go wrong for this price.
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12/22/2023 - LopedeAguirre Likes this wine: 89 Points
Finally a Rioja with the subtle and balanced fruit needed to bring out the Tempranillo miracle. Great Crianza, true to its nature.
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5/8/2023 - Rodenbach99 Likes this wine: 87 Points
Robe rubis. Nez de prune, bois, cerise. Il est rustique. Une bouche ferme sans complexité avec pas mal de bois pour l'instant.
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3/28/2023 - jsternh Likes this wine: 87 Points
Had with grilled pork chops. Very nice, balanced nose. Beautiful notes of red and blue fruits. Everything else is good to very good in terms of entry, mid-palate & finish. A good example of the varietal. Excellent QPR.
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1/1/2022 - backto1983 Likes this wine: 72 Points
Is that some silkiness that I'm feeling in my mouth?!
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12/31/2021 - SpiSan Likes this wine: 88 Points
Good match with our roast beef dinner.
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