A blend of 85% Tempranillo with 15% other varieties. 12 Months in new French oak followed by 12 months in 1 year old American Oak barrels.
The 2001 Reserva “Seleccion de la Familia” is 85% Tempranillo and 15% “other” aged in barrique for 24 months, 12 months in new French oak followed by 12 months in 2nd use American oak. Dark ruby-colored, the enticing aromatics include cedar, spice cabinet, mineral, violets, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to an evolved, complex, ripe Rioja with superb intensity and depth. It has a long, pure finish and should continue to evolve for several more years. Drink it through 2020.
93/100 Parker
This is as classic as Rioja Reserva gets! The multi award-winning, family-owned Bodegas Luis Cañas set in the heart of Rioja's premium Alavesa region. The Bodega dates back to 1928, with the Luis Cañas family growing vines for more than 2 centuries. Situated in Villabuena in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Bodegas Luis Cañas is ideally placed to make great wine. Careful work in the vineyards and in the winery ensures that this potential is optimised. Producing around 1.5 million bottles per year the estate controls 120 hectares of vineyards and holds ISO 9002 for the winery and bottling plant.
The area around Villabuena has broken clay soils over limestone on which Tempranillo ripens excellently. High, in the north of the region, very cold winters are followed by warm, dry summers. Luis Cañas uses around 95% of Tempranillo in most red wines blended with a small proportion of Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha.
Fermentation temperatures are carefully followed to capture the best qualities of the fruit. French and American oak is used for carefully supervised maturation in temperature and humidity controlled cellars. Winemaking here combines the best of traditional knowledge and technical know-how.
Luis Cañas produces wines that have the typical elegance of the Rioja Alavesa, excellent fruit and wonderful, complex layers of flavours.
The vines for SdlF are on average 35 years old, low-yielding and consequently the fruit is intensely rich. The wine is aged in a blend of high-quality French and American oak for two years (see above) - sufficient time to soften the fruit and add structure without dominating the ripe cherry flavours.
Intense spice and oak on layers of velvety cherry fruit, and a slight hint of liquorice. Well balanced, lasting rich fruit flavours with smooth, round tannins, and an elegant, long, aromatic finish.
Available in wooden cases of 6 bottles.