Culmen Rioja Reserva Bodegas Lan 2011

Culmen is the flagship wine of Bodegas LAN and is produced from a 5.34-hectare parcel of 40 to 60-year old vines from the southern part of the Viña Lanciano estate in Rioja Alta. The 2011 is a blend of 88% Tempranillo and 12% Graciano aged for 26 months in French oak barrels followed by an additional 20 months in bottle. It opens with extremely seductive aromas of creamy black fruits, kirsch, violets, cinnamon and cigar smoke. On the palate it is dense and opulent, with fine-grained tannins and a reassuring pep of acidity. This is a full-bodied, modern style of Rioja that would be superb alongside roasted meats of mature cheeses.