The 2007 Vina Lanciano Reserva is sourced from, and carries the name of, the winery’s signature vineyard, the 72-hectare Lanciano estate along the River Ebro, northeast of Fuenmayor. There is no doubt this is a good vineyard, which seems to have behaved quite well in such a cold and difficult vintage. The wine has some notes of exotic wood, blueberries, star anise and incense, and a supple and tasty palate with an attractive herbaceous note that gives it freshness. Drink 2014-2017. LAN was created in 1972 and their wines have seen some ups and downs through the years. The company has been recently purchased by the Sogrape Group from Portugal (April 2012) who is expanding its presence in Spain with this 3.5-million bottle winery in Rioja. It’s still too early to see if the change in ownership will bring any change in the wines. Imported by Monsieur Touton Selection, New York, NY; tel. (212) 255-0674

This lean red shows a mix of sweet and savory notes, with dried cherry and vanilla flavors balanced by tobacco, black olive and underbrush. Features light, firm tannins and balsamic acidity. Drink now through 2017. 5,000 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add