Vintus

Lanzaga, Rioja

The Rioja vineyards for Telmo Rodriguez’ wines are in the eastern part of the region, in Lanciego. It is here, on the clay and calcerous slopes, that some of the most interesting vineyards of Rioja coexist with hundred year old olive groves. Descendents of the same families that pruned these vines over two centuries still work in the bush vine vineyards, using the same methods of cultivation. Telmo’s wines come from a combination of estate vineyards (and in the case of Altos de Lanzaga, exclusively estate vineyards), and those of growers in the area who cultivate under Telmo’s supervision.

Lanzaga, the middle Telmo wine from Rioja, exhibits the character of the Lanciego vineyard’s fruit: a beautiful cohabitation of strength and elegance. The Tempranillo grapes for Lanzaga and Altos de Lanzaga come from slopes that are protected from erosion by the vineyard plantings. The wine is matured for 14 months in foudres and then French Oak barrels.

2005 Vintage Reviews:
“Inky ruby-red. Black cherry and cassis on the nose, with tobacco and floral notes adding interest. Quite juicy, with firm cherry and berry skin flavors, dusty tannins and building oak spice and vanilla character to go with the sweet dark fruits on the finish. I suspect that those with a greater tolerance for oak will find my score low, while traditionalists will find me overly generous.” 91 IWC, Sep/Oct 2008

“This Rioja could serve as a spice rub for lamb, its acidity as fresh and tart as a grape tomato. The texture absorbs that acidity and spice and melds it into potent raspberry flavor, youthfully aligned with the red color of the wine. This is round and supple, suited to five or six years of bottle age.” 91 Wine and Spirits Magazine, December 2008

2004 Vintage Reviews:
“Medium red. Seductively perfumed nose shows suave, oak-spiced strawberry and cherry. Spicy red fruit flavors are sweetened by vanilla and mocha. Turned firmer with air and picked up deeper cherry and cassis notes. Finishes round, supple and sweet, with a repeating mocha impression.” 90 IWC, Sep/Oct 2007