The 2008 Lan A Mano Edicion Limitada is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano selected from 35-year-old vines from “Pago El Rincon” and “Vina Lanciano” vineyards, aged in new French oak for six months and then four months in new Russian casks. That oak influence dominates the aromatics, but underneath that carapace are dark plum, boysenberry and licorice notes that will surface with bottle age. The palate is certainly more modern in style compared to the rest of Lan’s portfolio with sumptuous, decadent dark plum and cassis fruit and an unashamed voluptuous finish. Yet it is still very well-crafted and will appeal to those that like a silky sheen to their Rioja wines. Drink 2014-2020. Bodegas Lan was established in 1972 and after a number of itinerant owners, they settled with an investment group, Mercapital, in 2002. Their winery is based in the town of Fuenmayor in Rioja Alta. They own 70 hectares of vineyard, the remainder out-sourced and the wine is raised in a combination of different oak regimes in their barrel cellar that can accommodate some 25,000 barrels. I was impressed by the consistency of these wines that are well-crafted and with a propensity to age. Importer: Well Oiled Wine Company, Leesburg, VA; tel. (703) 771-1477