Bodegas LAN Rioja “D-12”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- D-12 is homage to the workers of LAN. The name is a reference to “DEPOSITO 12,” the stainless-steel tank that holds the wine that, according to LAN winery staff, has the most outstanding attributes of that vintage.
- We don’t get much of this wine and our staff at Grape feels the same way about it as LAN does; most of it ends up riding home with us.
Varietal Composition: 100% Tempranillo
Elaboration: Fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 77º F in order to maintain aromatic potential and maximize color extraction. Maceration in contact with the lees prior to malolactic fermentation in order to balance the tannins and display a silky mouthfeel. Twelve months in new American and French oak barrels followed by 1 year of rounding in the bottle prior to release. The American oak was sourced in the Appalachians and the French oak in the forests of Chateauroux and Loches. The extra-fine grained wood was air dried for 36 months.
PRESS
2020 – 91 Vinous
2019 – 90 Wine Spectator
2017 – 92 Wine Enthusiast | 90 Wine Spectator
2015 – 91 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Bodegas LAN is a relative newcomer to the Rioja scene, having been founded in 1972. The name “LAN” is an acronym for the three provinces that make up Rioja, Logroño, Alava, and Navarra.
LAN produces some of the most consistent, value-driven examples of Rioja on the market, and is also is an established leader on the premium side. LAN’s iconic 72 hectare Viña Lanciano vineyard sits on a breathtaking natural meander along the Ebro river and is the basis for most of the company’s top bottlings.
The spirit of experimentation and innovation permeates the culture at LAN, and winemaker María Barúa is continually pushing the limits and preconceptions people have of the region.