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La Rioja Alta : Gran Reserva 904 2009

Name: La Rioja Alta : Gran Reserva 904 2009
Brand: La Rioja Alta
SKU: J938/09
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.64 (514 reviews)

La Rioja

Rioja

- Red - See details

Parker | 95+

J. Robinson | 17

Decanter | 95

Wine Spectator | 92

J. Suckling | 97

Vinous - A. Galloni | 95

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Marks and reviews

/100

Decanter

Tempranillo with 5% Graciano. So lovely with that inviting nose of aged but still perky wine, pulsing with fruit but with so much savoury complexity, like a room filled with oak furniture. A gorgeous satiny texture of ripe, polished, filigree tannins. Really so luxurious, but very fine and long.

/100

James Suckling

This is a driven and super tight Gran Reserva with dark berries and hints of spice and cedar. A spicy red-pepper undertone and some dried flowers. Full to medium body, integrated tannins and a superb finish. A great wine. Available in September 2018. A wine for the cellar, but why wait?

/20

Jancis Robinson

Luminous ruby. Intense nose that recalls molten butter as well as rich, ripe, delectable animal aromas. Great sweetness but no obvious oakiness. Clearly some bottle age here and some delightful freshness. Savoury note on the finish. (JR)

/100

Vinous

Josh Raynolds

Bright ruby. A hugely perfumed bouquet evokes red berry liqueur, candied cherry, coconut, potpourri, pipe tobacco and exotic spice aromas, all complemented by a smoky overtone. Alluringly sweet, broad and pliant on the palate, displaying a velvety texture to the plush raspberry, cherry cola, floral pastille and coconut flavors. Superb depth and no rough edges. Turns sweeter with air, finishing with outstanding clarity, a hint of mocha and velvety, harmonious tannins. While this wine is utterly delicious right now, I've no doubt that it'll be cruising along just fine in another 20 years or more. Aged in four-year-old American oak barrels for four years.

/20

Weinwisser

Vines over 60 years old, a very hot and dry summer, rain in September, four years in used American oak barriques. On the nose it initially recalls a hint of rhubarb tart, fine acidity, bright cherry notes in between; when not decanted it seems a bit smudged, but it clarifies significantly with just a little air and, after a few minutes, turns into a fine, classic Rioja with spicy notes and freshness, and plenty of American oak vanilla. Still has lots of time, with sensational development in the glass.

Description

Characteristics and tasting advice for La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2009

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a remarkably intense cherry-red color, perfectly limpid and bright.

Nose
The bouquet reveals great aromatic complexity with notes of vanilla, toasted caramel, chocolate mint, tea leaves, and cinnamon. With aeration, the nose evolves toward baked fruit and prune aromas.

Palate
On the palate, this wine charms with its creamy texture and perfect balance. Harmonious freshness accompanies silky, well-managed tannins, leading to an elegant, complex finish with beautiful length.

Food and wine pairings

This Gran Reserva pairs perfectly with main courses, all kinds of meats, and stews. It also matches well with chocolate desserts.

Serving and aging

Gran Reserva 904 2009 benefits from a light aeration to fully reveal its aromatic qualities.

A Gran Reserva from La Rioja with complex aromas and refined elegance

The estate

Founded in 1890 in Haro in La Rioja, La Rioja Alta remains a benchmark family-owned estate. Still in the hands of the founding families, the Gran Reserva 890 and 904 cuvées pay tribute to the year of foundation and to the 1904 merger with Bodegas Ardanza. Recognized as one of the most admired brands in the world, the estate embodies tradition, outstanding quality, and international influence.

The vineyard

The grapes come from exceptional vines in La Rioja: Tempranillo from vines over 60 years old located in Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba, while Graciano comes from the Montecillo vineyard in the municipality of Fuenmayor.

The vintage

Winter water reserves supported balanced ripening despite intense summer heat and drought. Mid-September rains slowed maturation, allowing for a good alcohol and phenolic balance. Favorable weather conditions thereafter enabled the production of this Gran Reserva in an overall high-quality vintage.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are harvested in boxes and transported in refrigerated vehicles. After gentle destemming and crushing, alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Aging for Gran Reserva 904 2009 began in April 2010 in 4-year-old American oak barrels made on site, with traditional rackings from barrel to barrel every six months. The final blend was bottled in November 2014.

Grape varieties

Tempranillo (90%) and Graciano (10%).

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