BODEGA LANZAGA 2019

94+WA
When tasted next to the 2020, the 2019 Lanzaga comes through as a little more closed and austere, with a little less alcohol (14% vs 14.5%) and with rounder tannins. It comes from 15 to 20 hectares of their own organically farmed vineyards. It fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in 225-liter barrels and 1,500- and 2,500-liter oak foudres for 14 months. 24,527 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2021.

Grapes: A blend of roughly 85% Tempranillo, with the balance Garnacha, Graciano, and a mix of other grapes.

Vineyards: Made entirely with biodynamic grapes from some almost 30 plots that Pablo and Telmo work at between 450 and 700 meters in elevation from bush vines in Atalaya, Majadales, Arroyo la Losa, Pasocastillo and Soto vineyards in the cool Lanciego zone. From flat, shallow, stony, calcareous and silty textured sandstone soils with low fertility and low water retention capacity.

Vinification: Hand-picked with wild yeast primary fermentation and malolactic in concrete tank followed by 14 months aging in foudre and 225L barrel.

Lanzaga is the backbone of the Lanciego project, the identity, the purest expression of their work. Lanzaga brings together all the elements of their way of work; bush pruning, field blend, organic viticulture, concrete fermentation, aging in foudres and barrels of different size and origin, and a limited, modest-sized production. The result is a serious and sophisticated wine that ages wonderfully.

Another wine I have had several vintages of and is even more traditional in style to me. Because of the silly DOCa rules, you can't put the name of a vineyard or a village on the wine without being in violation and losing the ability to use the consejo designations of Reserva and Gran Reserva, but you can put a name of the winery which is what they did here in tongue and cheek. The name reflects the place, but with a slightly different spelling that is close to the basque spelling of Lantziego. Another solid Rioja and will prove to age a good 15-20 years.