2012 La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Gran Reserva Rioja

La Rioja Alta is a grand old estate founded (and still owned) by four wine growing families in 1890. The wines are produced from estate-owned, low yielding and old vineyards that are still produced in a very traditional way. The winery's commitment to quality extends to keeping all production of oak in-house, utilising their own cooperage on site.

Vina Arana Gran Reserva is produced of 95% Tempranillo & 5% Graciano. Maturation takes place in 3-year-old American oak for 3 years, followed by extended aging in bottle prior to release.

Other Reviews…
Brambleberries, licorice, dried blueberries, cedar, tobacco, smoke, vanilla, dried citrus and even a hint of grapefruit. The lazer-sharp acidity evinces a real sense of purity, and the tannins are really edgy and structured. Full-bodied but very elegant and stylish. The finish goes on and on, thanks to the shimmering acidity. Beautiful now, but better in 2024.
95 points
JamesSuckling.com (July 2019)

2012 was an unusual vintage in Rioja, as it was warm and dry, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. Th 2012 Viña Arana Gran Reserva shows that character, as it's ripe and has concentration but is quite balanced. There are some creamy notes and plenty of underbrush, wet forest floor, spice and smoke, very recognizable as Rioja. It's clean, aromatic and open. Very pleasant and approachable, with enough grip to stand up to most foods. This is already a Gran Reserva. 80,000 bottles produced from 267 barriques, where the wine matured for three years. Drink 2019 - 2027.
91+ points
Luis Gutiérrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (June 2019)