Lealtanza Rioja Reserva 2012| 97-point Platinum Medal Rioja Reserva

Lealtanza Rioja Reserva 2012 presents rustic garnet hue with crimson shimmers. A lovely bouquet of pipe tobacco and Morrocan spice sets the stage for a compelling Tempranillo with a bevy of spice notes and a meaty core. Dried cherry and currant are the primary fruit notes with layers of leather and black tea spice. The French oak is well distributed on the mid-palate, finishing with notes of freshly rolled cigar and cedar. Long and zesty, enjoy now or cellar for another six years.

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97 Decanter | Lealtanza Rioja Reserva 2012 earns 2018 Asia Wine Awards, Platinum Rating.  Rounded and layered aromas of dried fruits, red cherry, smoke, and coconut. Well polished and presented with red fruit and plum flavors sluicing through the palate. It is, simply, a beautiful wine with the X-factor.

Altanza Winery

After six years in bottle, the Lealtanza Rioja Reserva 2012 is showing gorgeous complexity of flavor.  While marrying dried cherry and currant with spicy, meaty notes of black tea and leather. The acid continues to provide lift and zest on the long finish, which is seamlessly woven with toasty oak influence. These perfectly cellared bottles are the first we’ve offered from Bodegas Altanza and we couldn’t be more excited.  Of course, under-$25 wines with 97-point ratings, raised directly from winery cellars don’t come around that often. When they do, we jump. We recommend you do the same.

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If you appreciate the savory, tertiary characteristics that come to a Rioja with age—pipe tobacco, Morrocan spice, cedar—this one is for you. But don’t just take our word for it. The Lealtanza Rioja Reserva 2012 earned 97 points and a platinum rating in a blind tasting at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards. Decanter hailed, “Rounded and layered aromas of dried fruits, red cherry, smoke, and coconut.  Finally adding, “It is, simply, a beautiful wine with the X-factor.”

La Rioja

So La Rioja is arguably Spain’s greatest wine region.  And within it, the most age-worthy bottles (including this one) are produced in Alta Rioja. The region’s high elevation produces cooler temperatures.  Hence preserving acidity in the Tempranillo.  While the soils—chalky, calcareous clay—yield wines with more pronounced tannins. Acidic verve and a strong tannic backbone are prerequisites for a wine to age well.  Plus the Tempranillo grapes within Lealtanza soaked up both in the vineyard.  Finally, add in 18 months of barrel aging in 100 percent French Oak, and its power has been beautifully tempered.  As a result, ushering in stunning flavor and a cashmere texture.