This is a new estate in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa from the same team that is behind Izadi. The Izadi family owns 75% of the property, with the remaining 25% being split between 50 of Spain’s top restaurants. 2005 was the first vintage.
The vineyards benefit from the mitigating influence of the Atlantic Ocean here, giving the resulting wines better acidity. This area has the highest percentage of old vines in Rioja.
The vineyards are planted on limestone and clay soil at an altitude of 450-650m above sea level. The Tempranillo grapes for the Orben Rioja are grown on low yielding, 50-60 year old vines. A small percentage of Graciano is also added. After fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged for 12 months in new French oak where malolactic fermentation is allowed to take place.
The wine has terrific depth of ruby red colour, the first vintage of Orben Rioja is perfumed and intense on the nose, with spiced cherry and plum fruit characters which follow through to the palate. Attractive, chunky structure with plenty of spicy new oak supporting the concentrated ripe fruit on the palate.