Guelbenzu – Lautus 2016 – Vino de la Tierra Ribera del Queiles Spain

Lautus 2016 is the icon wine of Bodegas Guelbenzu, crafted only in exceptional vintages and designed for long aging. Produced from estate-grown grapes at Finca La Lombana and classified as Vino de la Tierra Ribera del Queiles, this wine represents the pinnacle of selection, structure, and elegance at the estate.

🍷 At a Glance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Graciano
• Region: Vino de la Tierra Ribera del Queiles, Spain
• Estate: Finca La Lombana (Vierlas)
• Vintage: 2016
• Soils: Fluvial origin, mainly gravel and sand
• Altitude: 500 m
• Vinification: Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel; malolactic fermentation in barrel
• Aging: 18 months in new French oak, followed by over 3 years in bottle
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Style: Dry red wine

👃 Tasting Notes & Experience

• Color: Deep red cherry
• Nose: Intense aromas of liqueur-like red fruit with spicy and toasted hints, finishing with mineral notes
• Palate: Sweet, elegant, and polished, with no hard edges; very ripe fruit supported by toasted and mineral nuances; concentrated, structured, and exceptionally long

Lautus 2016 shows remarkable balance between power and refinement. Extended barrel and bottle aging deliver a wine of depth, harmony, and persistence, built to evolve gracefully over time.

❤️ Why We Love It

• Icon wine of Guelbenzu, produced only in top vintages
• Long aging in new French oak and bottle adds depth and polish
• A benchmark example of estate-driven, age-worthy Spanish red wine

🍽️ Food Pairing Ideas

• T-bone steak and grilled red meats
• Roast lamb and duck
• Game dishes
• Aged and hard cheeses

👤 Who This Wine Is For

✓ Collectors and lovers of long-aged, iconic wines
✓ Drinkers who appreciate depth, polish, and evolution potential
✕ Not ideal if you prefer early-drinking or lighter-bodied reds

Recognition

92 Points – James Suckling
90 Points – Tim Atkin
92 Points – Guía Peñín
Gold Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles