At a glance

Producer

Ramon Bilbao (Lalomba)

Region

Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$110

Tasting profile

Dark berries (blackberry, black cherry), subtle floral notes, graphite, spice, lightly toasted oak; energetic with fine-grained tannins and great persistence.

Evolution: Tertiary notes of leather, tobacco leaf, earth and balsamic complexity expected with further bottle age (post 2025). Fruit and structure will integrate.

At peak: At peak, expect seamless integration of fruit, spice, balsamic, and mineral qualities—classic modern Rioja elegance with vineyard-driven character.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high; gives freshness, ample for long aging

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, well-integrated but still youthful

Alcohol

14.5% (approx.)

Aging potential

10-15+ years from vintage in strong vintages like 2017; top-tier Rioja aging profile

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2049

Optimal window

2023 to 2052

Current status

Drinking well; will improve further

Current condition

Approaching early plateau; structure and concentration suggest positive development through the next decade

Finca Valhonta is Lalomba’s flagship single-vineyard Rioja and among the top modern expressions of Tempranillo. Vintage 2017 is highly structured, with concentration and balance typical of age-worthy Rioja; high-quality oak and acidity mean the wine will continue to evolve for over a decade, easily showing complexity well past age 15 with careful storage.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, aged Manchego, dry-aged ribeye, wild mushroom risotto, game birds, or Iberian pork. Excellent with hearty Spanish stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (2 hours) — Decant to soften tannins and allow complex aromatics to emerge; will open up significantly in the glass.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Lalomba (Ramon Bilbao) uses organic principles in vineyard management, with measured irrigation, biodiversity enhancement, and composting. Eco-friendly packaging is emphasized; a shift toward lightweight bottles and renewable energy in the main winery.

Ramon Bilbao’s Lalomba range is recognized for sustainable vineyard management and certification with Spain's WfCP—indicating measurable CO₂ reduction, energy efficiency, and water stewardship. Although not fully certified organic or biodynamic, eco-driven practices place them among Burgundy- and Rioja-region leaders for sustainability. Ongoing efforts focus on renewable energy and supply chain improvements.