2021 Bodega Lanzaga 'Las Beatas' Rioja
Las Beatas is one of the most important cru wines to emerge from Rioja and is Lanzaga's top expression. A 1.9 ha terraced vineyard in the historic village of Labastida, Las Beatas is a historical site where grapes have been grown for at least 1,300 years. The vineyard is a steep, northwest-facing slope divided into eight terraces, planted with very old bush vines commingling with newer plantings restored through massal selection. The wine is a true field blend of 8 or 9 local varieties. Wines from this vineyard showcase dimensional complexity, weightless intensity, and incredible finesse—qualities rarely found in Rioja wines.
James Suckling
The embryonic Las Beatas this year is, at this moment, a delightful exuberance of violets and a variety of other flowers, as if you had stepped into a florist's. But the complexity increases as you keep sniffing, introducing rose petals, lavender, cochineal, bergamot, cassis, cedar, white pepper and blueberries. Then minerality comes through as well. A combination of chopped violets, dark cherries, blue fruit and pepper unwind on the palate, with firm, filigree tannins. Really long and peppery finish. Impressive and unique identity to this, making it an unforgettable experience. 1,521 bottles made from the 1.9-hectare vineyard. Already drinkable now, but will hold well over the next 20 years.