Viña Arana Reserva 2005 [Red]
Producer: La Rioja Alta, SA
Region: DOC Rioja

A genuine Rioja classic from a top producer and from one of the best vintages in recent years. Mainly Tempranillo (95%) with 5% Mazuelo (aka Carignan). Aged for 3 years in American oak barrels (not new), bottled in 2009 and recently released after nearly 4 years of bottle age. Excellent.

Lovely dark cherry/garnet color that belies its age. Lots of leather and spice on the nose along with ripe fruit (plum/blueberry) and a nice, lingering cigar box aroma. On the palate it's hearty and concentrated, showing more of the same sweet/ripe berry fruit flavors, along with prunes, figs, leather/beef jerky and spice. Excellent acidity, good length. A genuine classic.

[$M]
3 Apr 2013