As any follower of La Rioja Alta will know, this historic estate is considered as one of the "First Growths" of Rioja that produces some of the very best Reservas and Gran Reservas.
Having lived in the region of La Rioja, I am fortunate to have visited Bodegas La Rioja Alta on numerous occasions, enjoyed many of their wines and know a lot of the staff including Julio Sáenz, Head Winemaker, who is a personal friend of mine. Julio recently told me that there won't be any GR 904 or GR 890 released for a few years... as a result, all the best grapes from their top two 'Grand Vin' equivalents have therefore gone into the production of this fantastic new arrival: Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2014.
Now a Gran Reserva (elevated from a Reserva in 2012), it makes La Rioja Alta the first property in the region to simultaneously make 3 Gran Reservas: Arana, 904 and 890. The 2014 is made from 94% Tempranillo from Rodezno and 6% Graciano from the reknown Montecillo vineyard in Fuenmayor. Aged in American oak for 3 years (racked by candlelight every 6 months), followed by another 3 years in bottle reveals its great structure, poise and complexity - it's possible to say this is like a baby GR 904... and given it's attractive price combined with such excellent critic scores of 94-96, it's easy to see why!
Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2014
"Immediately recognisable as classic La Rioja Alta house style; notes of black cherry and red plum intermingle with clove and vanilla spice underpinned by touches of Balsamic. Complex and multi-layered with an impressive vibrancy and freshness supported by ripe, generous tannins that give an excellent mouthfeel. Further dark black fruits on the core with added coffee and leather on the long, fine finish. A very welcome our La Rioja Alta range that sits comfortably between Viña Ardanza Reserva and Gran Reserva 904."
Andrew Ray
"Lots of mushroom and walnut aromas with plum and leather, too. It's full-bodied, but very soft and creamy-textured with lots of old wood, mushroom and ripe fruit on the finish. Some chocolate and hazelnut. Complex and gorgeous. Drink or hold."
96/100 points. James Suckling
"Arana commemorates one of La Rioja Alta's historic families. The Tempranillo (95%) and Graciano (5%) are aged separately in American oak barrels for three years before blending, then for three years in bottle (two years less than the 904, and six years less than the 890). The winery's keynote to this Rioja is 'freshness'. I agree. Drink 2020-2030."
96/100 points. Sarah Jane Evans MW
"La Rioja Alta is one of the most traditional wineries in Haro's Barrio de la Estación, famous for producing wines that are good to drink on release, but also age beautifully in bottle. This new Gran Reserva, made from Tempranillo with 6% Graciano for added backbone, is very much a reflection of the cooler, more “Atlantic” 2014 vintage. La Rioja Alta didn't make its top two Gran Reservas – 904 and 890 – in 2014, so all of its best grapes were used for Viña Arana. Fine and elegant, with vibrant acidity, notes of coconut and cinnamon from the American oak and a core of savoury, refreshing tobacco leaf and red berry flavours framed by fine, caressing tannins. Old-fashioned Rioja at its glorious best. Drink 2020-2028."
94/100 points. Tim Atkin MW
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