2020 Las Beatas Rioja Bodega Lanzaga

The super elegant, perfumed and floral 2020 Las Beatas comes from grapes harvested on the eighth of October, normal dates despite the warmer year after suffering hail in May, but some rain in September slowed things down. This is a very regular wine even in a strange year when Graciano ripened before Tempranillo. The wine, produced with zero technology, like the wines from yesteryear, has moderate ripeness and 14% alcohol. Despite being in the glass for over one hour, it didn't show any signs of ripeness at all. It has a very sleek and silky palate with refined, ultra elegant tannins that give it a superb texture. This is one of the greatest wines from Rioja and from Spain, with clockwork regularity.

First produced as recently as 2011, Las Beatas is now established at the pinnacle of Rioja. Made with 11 varieties from 11 different terraces totalling 1.9 hectares in Labastida, it's the closest that the region comes to the texture and balance of a Grand Cru Burgundy. More ethereal and fragrant than the 2019, it has peony and potpourri aromas, lacy tannins, very little oak influence and graceful pomegranate, raspberry and water melon flavours. Beautifully balanced.

Something ethereal in the nose with subtle and enticing aromas of various fruits such as raspberries and black cherries, as well as perfumed flowers such as honeysuckle. Fruit tea and mineral. Medium-bodied with firm and focused tannins that are integrated beautifully with the fruit. Racy finish. It needs about two to four years to come more together and open. Made from a single vineyard of 1.9 hectares in Rioja Alavesa. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2026.