In July 10, 1890, five Riojan and Basque families who shared a passion for wine founded the ‘Sociedad Vinícola de La Rioja Alta’ in Haro's Station Quarter. They erected a winery on the pillars of quality, elegance, innovation, and evolution, enthusiastically sharing the dream of making and aging top-quality Rioja wines. Thus began a pursuit of excellence that continues into the 21st century with identical enthusiasm, combined with the most modern winemaking technology.

La Rioja Alta’s particular 'treasure' is the more than 400 hectares of estate-owned vineyards located in the best terroirs of Rioja. They also manufacture their own barrels from imported American oak (currently about 30,000) using artisanal methods.

Today, the wines of La Rioja Alta are an international exemplar of the great wines of Rioja, and their brands are present in the best restaurants across all continents.

Gran Reserva 904 was originally released as Reserva 1904. It was named to commemorate a very important date for the La Rioja Alta Winery: the proposed merger by Don Alfredo Ardanza of La Rioja Alta and Bodega Ardanza. The” 1” was eventually dropped to prevent confusion with the actual 1904 vintage. In addition, the year 1904 was also considered to be one of the greatest vintages in local history.

Gran Reserva 904 is made only in exceptional vintages, with the best harvests from the oldest vineyards. It’s a classic Rioja at its best and is amongst the finest wines being produced in Rioja today.

The 2004 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is a truly exceptional wine that embodies the essence of Rioja. Made from a proprietary blend of Tempranillo and Graciano grapes, this red wine showcases the best of the region's winemaking traditions.

In the glass, the wine displays a beautiful light red color with a brick rim, a sign of its maturity. The nose is simply enchanting, with aromas of balsamic woods, spices, leather, well-hung meat, incense, and truffles. It is a complex bouquet that invites you to explore further.

On the palate, the Gran Reserva 904 reveals its full potential. The wine is medium-bodied with fully resolved tannins and great acidity, providing a harmonious and balanced structure. The flavors are pure and pungent, lingering on the palate long after each sip. This is the hallmark of a truly exceptional Rioja wine.

The 2004 vintage is still relatively young, and while it can be enjoyed now, it will continue to evolve and improve with age. It is recommended to wait a little longer and enjoy the superb 2001 vintage while this one matures in the bottle. The aging potential of this wine is remarkable, and it is expected to reach its peak between 2016 and 2024.

Critics have been unanimous in their praise for the 2004 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 96 points, highlighting its superb quality and excellent value. Wine Spectator also awarded it 91 points, praising its polished and harmonious nature. Vinous rated it 94 points, noting its fleshy texture and long, graceful evolution. Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages praised its intensity, giving it a score of 17.5 out of 20.

Overall, the 2004 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is a wine that captivates with its complexity, elegance, and aging potential. It is a true gem from the Rioja region that will continue to delight wine enthusiasts for many years to come.