At a glance

Producer

Bodegas LAN

Region

Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo (majority), Mazuelo, Graciano

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$16-25 USD retail

Tasting profile

Red cherry, plum, and cranberry fruit with notes of cedar, sweet spice, vanilla, leather, and subtle tobacco; harmonious oak integration and well-developed tertiary notes beginning to emerge.

Evolution: In the next 2-5 years, expect more developed tertiary notes—dried fig, leather, forest floor—while fruit character softens and tannins fully integrate.

At peak: Peak expression is anticipated between 2024 and 2027, with optimal balance between fruit, structure, and evolving complexity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high; classic for Rioja Reservas, helps with freshness and longevity

Tannins

Medium, ripe but present; providing structure and aging potential

Alcohol

13.5-14% ABV (typical stated for this cuvée/vintage)

Aging potential

Medium-high; will continue to evolve positively for 4-7 more years under proper conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2027

Optimal window

2023 to 2029

Current status

Optimal; nearing the beginning of its prime drinking window

Current condition

The wine is showing balanced fruit, oak, and tertiary integration, with moderate tannic structure and fresh acidity.

Reserva-level Rioja releases from Bodegas LAN are crafted for mid-term aging. The 2018 vintage was classic, offering structure and freshness, making this wine suitable for enjoyment within 6-10 years of vintage. Peak is reached when primary fruit, oak influence, and tertiary flavors are most harmoniously interwoven, generally in the 6th to 9th year post-harvest.

Food pairing

Ideal with roasted lamb, beef stew, venison, or hard Spanish cheeses such as Manchego; also pairs well with grilled mushrooms and rich vegetarian paellas.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium tannins and is 7 years old, which suggests it could benefit from aeration to enhance its flavors and soften the structure.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Bodegas LAN employs integrated pest management, water conservation through drip irrigation, energy-efficient processes in winery; reduction in single-use plastics and transition to lighter-weight packaging for carbon reduction. Vineyards use cover crops to reduce soil erosion and promote biodiversity.

Bodegas LAN has a declared environmental commitment: its sustainability initiatives go well above industry minimums. The winery invests in renewable energy, water efficiency, and sustainable viticulture but does not produce this wine as certified organic or biodynamic. The SWfCP certification focuses on carbon footprint reduction, energy, and water use auditing, and environmental stewardship but doesn’t require full organic farming. Their efforts in light-weighting bottles, responsible packaging, and vine biodiversity are recognized. The carbon footprint is inherently higher with international distribution, but LAN’s sustainability credentials make this a more responsible choice than average for mainstream Rioja producers.