2005 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904

Proprietary Blend - 750ML
Reg: $129.94
$94.94
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REVIEWS

WA 96 WE 96 JS 95 W&S 93 WS 92
WA 96

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, April 2015

The 2005 Gran Reserva 904 is a superb blend of Tempranillo from the villages of Briñas, Labastida and Villalba with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were destemmed and crushed and fermented in stainless...
WE 96

Wine Enthusiast, April 2016

One look, one whiff, one taste and you're swooning. This mature, tawny, ready-to-drink gran reserva with aromas of lemon peel, cedar and dried cherry is the epitome of elegance. A juicy, supple palate is highly...
JS 95

jamessuckling.com, July 2015

Aromas of pine needles, ginger, red fruits and cedar. Mushroom too, plus bark and mint. Complex. Full body, ultra fine tannins and a tangy and bright finish. Makes you want to drink it. Made from 90% tempranillo with 10%...
W&S 93

Wine & Spirits, December 2016

A cellar selection from close to 20 estate parcels in Rioja Alta where the vines are at least 40 years old, this was bottled at the end of 2010, after aging in four-year-old barrels (La Rioja Alta changed its aging regime...
WS 92

Wine Spectator, October 2015

This old-school red delivers dried cherry, floral, licorice and leather flavors in a smooth texture, supported by light, firm tannins and orange peel acidity. The flavors are harmonious, the finish long and juicy. Drink...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Proprietary Blend
Country Spain
Region Rioja
Vintage 2005
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 13.5%
Closure Cork

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 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.