2016 Bodega Lanzaga LZ

Fabulous black dark red colour with a vibrant dark red hue. Scented black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice aromas overlay notions of crushed rock, subtle earth and peppery herb end notes. Rich inky black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice flavours sit over elements of crushed rock, spice and traces of earth with a peppery finish. Dry chewy tannins provide ample structure and fresh youthful acidity gives the wine some tension. Aftertaste of inky black raspberries, liquorice, faint crush rock and spicy pepper. Will become more open and expressive with some patience.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…
The unoaked red 2016 LZ is produced with a blend of head-pruned Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano from the village of Lanciego. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats for 15 days and matured in tank for four to six months. This is super expressive, from an unusual year that delivered quality and quantity, a rare combination. It's a superb, characterful, approachable Rioja with a completely different profile, fruit-driven with notes of licorice and an absence of wood, more in the style of a wine from Marcel Lapierre than what most people expect from a label that says Rioja. Superb value too. Drink 2018-2021.
91 points
Luis Gutierrez – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate