Vina Arana Gran Reserva 2016 La Rioja Alta

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (93)

The 2016 Viña Arana Gran Reserva is an elegant blend of Tempranillo with 5% Graciano matured in used American oak barrels for three years. During this time, the wine was manually racked from barrel to barrel, with the help of a candle, six times. It's ripe at 14.5% alcohol, with pungent notes of forest floor and truffles, dark spices and an earthy touch. It has a powerful palate, with very good freshness and acidity, reflecting the cooler year. It has some tannins that would welcome food.

James Suckling (95)

Beautiful transparency here with fresh flowers, green tobacco, pine needles, crushed stones and sandalwood. Dark fruits in the center. Full-bodied with a wonderful balance of fruit and fine tannins as well as mineral, fresh bark and delicate purple fruit. Subtlety with energy.

Jancis Robinson (17.50)

Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. 95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano. TA 5.2 g/l, RS 1.4 g/l.
Mature notes of coffee and black chocolate layer over the very savoury dark fruit; yet there is also tons of freshness, and the tannins are very elegantly integrated. The perfumed finish goes on forever. (FG)

Peñin (96)

Color: deep cherry, garnet rim. Aroma: aged wood nuances, ripe fruit, cocoa bean, cigar, toasty. Flavour: flavourful, spicy, toasty, powerful tannins. Style: creamy, classic. Color: deep cherry, garnet rim. Aroma: aged wood nuances, ripe fruit, cocoa bean, cigar, toasty. Flavour: flavourful, spicy, toasty, powerful tannins.