La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Reserva 2014

La Rioja Alta, a renowned winery in the Rioja appellation, presents Vina Arana Gran Reserva 2014, crafted by the skilled winemaker Julio Saenz. This vintage showcases the winery’s dedication to producing exceptional wines with top-quality grapes and meticulous aging techniques.

The 2014 harvest began under favorable weather conditions, with the vineyards displaying magnificent canopy development and great health until veraison, indicating a promising vintage. Despite adverse weather prior to harvest, the winery implemented intensive vineyard tasks to ensure proper ripening of the grapes. Manual harvesting and strict selection ensured that only the finest clusters were used, characterized by a harmonious balance between alcohol content and polyphenols. These factors influenced the decision to create the second vintage of this remarkable Gran Reserva.

The main ingredient in Vina Arana Gran Reserva 2014 is Tempranillo grapes, which came from Las Cuevas, El Palo, and Las Monjas vineyards in Rodezno. Additionally, it contains 6% Graciano from the Montecillo estate in Fuenmayor. The grapes underwent a meticulous harvesting process, carefully placed in compact boxes, and then transported with refrigeration to the winery to maintain their quality. The of alcoholic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks for 19 days.After malolactic fermentation in April 2015, selected wines were transferred to American oak barrels, with an average age of 4.5 years, crafted in-house. Three years of aging in these barrels, with traditional rackings every six months, culminated in the final blend, bottled in June 2018.

The Vina Arana Gran Reserva 2014 appears with a lively and clear garnet-red color of medium depth, complemented with a slight pinkish rim when held in a glass. The scents are strong and alluring, featuring noticeable hints of redcurrants, raspberries, wild blackberries, and ripe red plums. The fruity smells blend nicely with the balsamic scents from aging in barrels, providing notes of vanilla, cloves, coffee, caramel, and brioche. On the palate, this wine exhibits the classic texture that characterizes La Rioja Alta, showcasing a delightful taste experience. It is fresh, vibrant, and impeccably balanced, with amiable sweet tannins. The extended bottle aging rewards us with remarkable complexity and elegance, characteristic of the finest Rioja wines.

Esteemed wine critics have recognized the excellence of Vina Arana Gran Reserva 2014. Wine Advocate awards it 90 points, highlighting the blend’s freshness, intensity, and aging potential. Decanter awards an impressive 96 points, praising the wine’s tribute to La Rioja Alta’s history and its emphasis on freshness. James Suckling also bestows 96 points, describing the wine as complex and stunning, with captivating aromas of mushroom, walnut, plum, and leather.

Vina Arana Gran Reserva 2014 is a testament to La Rioja Alta’s mastery and commitment to crafting outstanding Rioja wines. It can be savored now, but its long life ahead promises further development and enjoyment.