Bodegas Olarra is a top quality winery founded in 1973 in LogroƱo, within the highly regarded sub-area of Rioja Alta. It is one of a small group of ambitious wineries founded in the 1970's when trade opportunities for Rioja wine were expanding. Olarra is known for the unique beauty of its estate which features Y-shaped ground plan and has 111 hexagonal domes. Because of this architectural splendor, Bodegas Olarra is commonly referred to as the Cathedral of Rioja. The winery carefully merges cutting edge technologies with the traditional winemaking methods and creates wines with the highest parameters of quality.
This Cerro Anon is their top echelon wine. Grapes are sourced from their vineyards located primarily in Rioja Alta, and Rioja Alavesa. Vines in these vineyards average over 30 years of age. Fermentation and maceration lasted for a total of 19 days and were performed in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Later the wine was racked into new Allier oak casks where the malolactic fermentation took place, followed by a stay on lees for a little over two months, with regular batonnage. By the end of that winter, the wine was already being racked into new oak barrels, where it remained for a further six months. After these, the rest of the oak ageing up to the total 27 months was done in different barrels, Allier and Missouri, all with medium toast, and with different ages spanning from brand new to 5 years. The final blend is 80% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 5% Garnacha and 5% Graciano.
Decanter Magazine scored this 96 points saying "The Gran Reserva 2010 shows a deep red color with shades of ruby on the rim of the glass. On the nose, at the time of original release, it revealed a delicate balance between ripe red berry aromas and those of spices and smokiness. Over time, this developmental bouquet has grown more complex, showing aromas of leather, tobacco, coffee beans and raisins. On the palate, it is full and round, thanks to its long period in the bottle. Mouthfeel is as firm, elegant and smooth as one should expect from a great Rioja Gran Reserva, with a surprisingly long and fresh finish."