Earlier this year I was lucky enough to have a look at 5 vintages of one of the standout Rioja wines available in Australia, Lanzaga from Compania del Vinos de Telmo Rodríguez . I tend use the full name of the company these days, as when I visited in February it became very clear that partnership between Pablo Eguzkiza and Telmo Rodríguez has been a key ingredient to building this now very well known company. I still have a load of stuff to write up from my last trip, one of the highlights being a day looking the company’s many operations in Rioja…
As this was a fairly hastily organised lunch session, I jotted down a few notes on the wines after lunch as an after thought. But as there has been some interest, I thought I’d write them up.
2002 - This was a clear winner from the word go. The nose was full of aromatics: violets and field herbs, bright red cherry, a touch of plum and a little blueberry. Savory and earthy on the palate. Superb balance and integration, as well as some finely textured tannins make this very pleasurable drinking right now. I’d say that this is drinking at it’s peak, but will hold for a good 5 year or so yet. 94 Pts.
2003 - This was looking a bit blocky and had a darker fruit profile than many other wines in the line up. Otherwise a classic cherry cola, wild herbs, a bit of coffee and chocolate. The tannins are still quite firm, if anything I would say this needs more time in the cellar. 91+ Pts
2004 - Now this was a bit a odd ball. When I opened these bottles, this was the only one with a question on both cork and storage. Initially a bit musty and not giving up much at all. However, we returned to the glass after an hour and a half and it was singing. Very much like the 2002 at this stage, it hints at being a more complete wine when it wakes from a long slumber in 3-4 years. Looking great. 93+ Pts.
2005 - To be honest, this was in a bit of a weird place. Not showing as generous or as complex as the other wines at the moment, we agreed to put this down as a slightly off bottle. NR
2006 - This is more like it. Impetuous youth in all its glory, plenty of lush fruit, with violets and roses, but at the same time super savoury and earthy. I reckon this is going to be a great wine in a couple of years, it has all the boxes ticked so far. 93+ Pts.
Have you tried the 1999 or the 2000? I have spied some and wondering if they are worth a look. I haven’t had older Telmo’s before and no idea if they age well. Your note regarding the 2002 gives me hope. They also have the Altos from those years as well….
cheers
Carl
I’ve seen these a long time ago, but I had a look at the 00 Pago la Jara and 02 Altos are they are looking smashing, years to go.
If the pricing is good and you can be sure of storage, I would be confident.
Pricing is good and storage is decent apparently (at least fill levels are OK and no cork bulging or leaks) so I better mosey on down. Thanks!
cheers
Carl
Bought and opened a 1999 Altos de Lanzaga. Opened a little funky but then the fruit came up. First “new-age” Rioja I have had that is a decade old. Really impressed with the elegance and still quite primary although the tannins have softened. Thanks for advice!
cheers
Carl
Nice work, the more Altos I drink the more I love it. The 05 is smashing. Not cheap tho!
2000 opened last night. Less developed than the 1999 last year. Very linear palate profile. Also slightly funky with a air dried beef note. Savoury and delicious
cheers
Carl