The 2005 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is a remarkable wine that embodies the essence of Spanish winemaking. With its deep red color and elegant label, it immediately catches the eye and promises a truly special tasting experience. This proprietary blend is crafted from 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano grapes sourced from 40+ year-old vineyards in the Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba villages of Rioja.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this vintage an impressive score of 95 points, praising its complex aromas and tangy, bright finish. Aromas of pine needles, ginger, red fruits, cedar, mushroom, bark, and mint dance gracefully on the nose, creating a truly captivating bouquet.
On the palate, this Gran Reserva 904 showcases a full body and ultra-fine tannins that provide a velvety texture. The wine captivates with flavors of cherries in liqueur, camphor, hints of mint, leather, and hung game. These flavors are beautifully balanced, subtle, and truly elegant. The wine's concentration of flavors is both tasty and mineral, with a touch of salinity. The palate is framed by smashing balance and finishes with a long-lasting aftertaste.
This wine has been aged for four years in used American oak barrels, following the traditional Riojan method. Each barrel has been manually racked eight times during this aging process. The result is a wine that exemplifies the best qualities of La Rioja Alta, reminiscent of the exceptional vintages from the 1950s and 60s.
With a score of 96 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, this Gran Reserva 904 truly stands out. The publication describes it as a balsamic wine with notes of cherries, camphor, mint, leather, and hung game. It praises its balance, subtlety, and classical elegance.
Wine Spectator awards this wine a score of 92 points, emphasizing its dried cherry, floral, licorice, and leather flavors. The harmonious flavors and juicy finish make this wine a delight to drink from now until 2020.
Wine Enthusiast awards this Gran Reserva 904 an impressive score of 96 points. The publication describes it as a mature, tawny, ready-to-drink wine with aromas of lemon peel, cedar, and dried cherry. The palate is juicy and supple, with flavors of vanilla, orange peel, saffron, and dried plum lingering on the finish.
Lastly, Wine & Spirits awards this wine a score of 93 points, praising its finesse, oak influence, and tremendous length of flavor. The publication suggests that while this wine is a pleasure to drink now, it will continue to evolve and develop over the next five to 15 years.
Overall, the 2005 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is a true gem from Spain's prestigious Rioja region. Its complexity, elegance, and age-worthiness make it a must-try for any wine enthusiast. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is sure to impress with its superb craftsmanship and exceptional quality.