Vintus

Altos de Lanzaga, Rioja

The Rioja vineyards for Telmo Rodriguez’ wines are in the cool Lanciego zone within Rioja Alavesa. 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.  The Rioja flagship Altos de Lanzaga comes from one of the most exceptional vineyards in Lanciego.

• 2009 Vintage

  • "The 2009 Altos de Lanzaga has a more introverted bouquet than the 2007: tight coiled with fine delineation and purity. The plate is beautifully defined with great weight and intensity without compromising upon its elegance and poise. Like the 2007, there is a Burgundy like allure to this weight, with tremendous clarity on the finish. "Stunning" is the word that springs to mind. Drink 2015-2025+."  96 Points Wine Advocate

• 2008 Vintage

  The fruit for Altos de Lanzaga comes from about 10 biodynamically farmed acres of Tempranillo vineyards more than 70 years old, which sit on numerous different altitude levels, with extremely low yields of around 800 pounds of fruit per acre. The grapes are crushed by foot in shallow stone vats, and extraction occurs softly with pump-overs avoided in order to protect the wine’s finesse. Fermentation is done in large, open wooden vats, and aging is in a combination of large oak casks and smaller barriques for 18 months.

• 2007 Vintage

  The fruit for Altos de Lanzaga comes from about 10 biodynamically farmed acres of Tempranillo vineyards more than 70 years old, which sit on numerous different altitude levels, with extremely low yields of around 800 pounds of fruit per acre. The grapes are crushed by foot in shallow stone vats, and extraction occurs softly with pump-overs avoided in order to protect the wine’s finesse. Fermentation is done in large, open wooden vats, and aging is in a combination of large oak casks and smaller barriques for 18 months, with each cask studied individually and dried for a lengthy period corresponding to its specific characteristics.  The objective is to vindicate the subtlety that a great Rioja must possess.

  • "The 2007 Altos de Lanzaga has a spellbinding, pure bouquet of red currant, wild strawberry and thyme that is imbued with immense purity and delineation. The palate has a satin-like texture with superb acidity and filigree tannins that lend it a Burgundian, Romanee-St-Vivant inspired finish. This is an exquisite follow-up to the brilliant 2006. Drink 2015-2025+."  96 Points Wine Advocate

• 2005 Vintage

  The fruit for Altos de Lanzaga comes from about 10 biodynamically farmed acres of Tempranillo vineyards more than 70 years old, which sit on numerous different altitude levels, with extremely low yields of around 800 pounds of fruit per acre. The grapes are crushed by foot in shallow stone vats, and extraction occurs softly with pump-overs avoided in order to protect the wine’s finesse. Fermentation is done in large, open wooden vats, and aging is in a combination of large oak casks and smaller barriques for 18 months, with each cask studied individually and dried for a lengthy period corresponding to its specific characteristics.  The objective is to vindicate the subtlety that a great Rioja must possess.

  • "The 2005 Altos de Lanzaga was sourced from 70-year-old Rioja vines from a single 9 acre parcel. It was fermented in large oak and raised in new barriques. The aromatic show off toasty oak notes, pencil lead, mineral, espresso, and blackberry. Velvety-textured with well-concealed underlying structure, it has gobs of fruit and flavor, impeccable balance, and will have a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2025, if not longer."  94 Points Wine Advocate

  • “Ruby-red. Perfumed nose offers a suave array of red and dark berries, minerals and fresh flowers. Spicy, medium-weight raspberry and cassis flavors are impressively deep but are reined in by gentle minerality. Turns sweeter on the silky finish, but maintains shape and focus. This is almost shockingly pure and understated, with sneaky finishing persistence and an insinuating floral pastille quality.” 93 Points International Wine Cellar