Vintus

LZ, 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. With LZ, the quality of the Telmo Rodriguez Rioja vineyards shines through the wine’s fresh fruit expression.

• 2011 Vintage

  LZ is a pure expression of the special area of Lanciego. The vineyards in Lanciego have old Tempranillo Graciano and Granacha, and grapes are harvested earlier for LZ than for Lanzaga or Altos de lanzaga. Vinifcation takes place in cement tanks, with natural yeasts carrying out alcoholic fermentation.

  • "The 2011 LZ is fermented and aged in cement and includes seasonings of Garnacha and white varieties such as Viura and Malvasia. It offers red currant and pomegranate mixed with clay-like aromas that unfurl teasingly with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with crisp, taut tannins. There is a core of raspberry leaf, citrus peel, chalk and dried orange peel that lead to an electrifying, tense finish. This is a fine entry-level wine. Drink now-2016+."  90 Points Wine Advocate

  • "Youthful purple color. Blackberry and cherry-cola on the highly perfumed nose and in the mouth. Sappy and expansive but lively as well, with very good finishing energy and sweet, seamless persistence."  90 Points International Wine Cellar

  • "Telmo Rodriguez is one of Spain's most dynamic vintners, producing dozens of wines from multiple regions and varieties annually - all farmed biodynamically. These Tempranillos are excellent, and offer great value. The Rioja is a delicious young Rioja. It is very fruity in character (plum, red currant) with peppery, floral (rose petal) overtones. It has full body, good balance, and a long, lightly tannic finish. Excellent."  4+ Stars Restaurant Wine Magazine

• 2010 Vintage

  LZ is a pure expression of the special area of Lanciego.  The vineyards in Lanciego have old Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha, and grapes are harvested earlier for LZ than for Lanzaga or Altos de Lanzaga.  2010 was the second vintage of LZ vinified at the newly built cellars in Lanciego.  Vinification takes place in cement tank, with natural yeasts carrying out alcoholic fermentation.  The winemaking is straightforward, and the pure fruit, mineral and spice characteristics of this authentic wine shine through brilliantly.

• 2009 Vintage

  Telmo Rodriguez feels that with the 2009 vintage of LZ he is now able to more fully express the special area of Lanciego that he works in with this wine.  The vineyards in Lanciego have old Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha, and grapes are harvested earlier than for Lanzaga or Altos de Lanzaga.  2009 was the first vintage of LZ vinified at the newly built cellars in Lanciego, and vinification switched from stainless steel tank to cement tank.  The winemaking is straightforward, allowing the pure fruit, mineral and spice characteristics of the wine to shine.

  • "The 2009 LZ is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano from the Alavesa region of Rioja. It was fermented and aged for 4-6 months in cement and stainless steel. Asian spices, violets, blackberry, and mineral notes inform the expressive bouquet. It opens in the glass to reveal savory, smooth, ripe, layered fruit and a pleasure-bent personality. Drink this outstanding value over the next 6 years." 90 Points Wine Advocate

  • "Bright violet color. Expressive scents of blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry, with hints of minerals and black pepper. Offers sweet dark berry fruit energized by juicy acidity and framed by gentle tannins. The lively finish shows good clarity and tangy persistence." 89 Points International Wine Cellar

• 2008 Vintage

  The Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha for LZ comes from different vineyard parcels and were harvested earlier than the grapes for Lanzaga or Altos de Lanzaga. The wine underwent a moderate maceration and fermentation in cement and tank that allowed the elaboration of its young fruit, mineral and spice character.  It then matured for around 6 months in cement casks.

  • “The grapes for the 2008 LZ were sourced from the eastern part of Rioja. The wine is 100% Tempranillo fermented and raised in stainless steel. It proffers a fragrant perfume of spice box, mineral and black cherry compote, the fruit displaying a slightly roasted character that adds flavor interest. Sweetly-fruited, savory, and impeccably balanced, this is an impressive introduction to the Rioja version of the Tempranillo grape.” 90 Points Wine Advocate

• 2007 Vintage

  The Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha for LZ comes from different vineyard parcels and were harvested earlier than the grapes for Lanzaga or Altos de Lanzaga. The wine underwent a moderate maceration and fermentation in cement and tank that allowed the elaboration of its young fruit, mineral and spice character.  It then matured for around 6 months in cement casks.

  • "The nose offers up pencil lead, spice box, and cherry leading to a sweetly fruited, balanced wine with excellent depth and length. It has enough structure to drink well for another 6-8 years and is an excellent value.” 90 Points Wine Advocate

  • “Light purple. Fresh red- and blackcurrant aromas are brightened by white pepper and rose. Light-bodied dark berry flavors are a touch jammy, but bright acidity adds snap on the back end. Finishes clean, with very good focus and vivacity. This alluring wine would be best served lightly chilled.” 90 Points International Wine Cellar

  • "The light flavors of cherries and American oak have plenty of drive, giving this a classic Rioja profile. Spicy black plum skin tannins jacket the fruit in leather and pepper notes. A versatile young wine for tapas." 90 Points Wine & Spirits Magazine