The 2011 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is a proprietary blend from La Rioja Alta, a producer located in Rioja, Spain. This red wine, sealed with a cork and boasting an alcohol content of 14.5%, exemplifies traditional Rioja craftsmanship with a modern twist.
James Suckling awarded this vintage an excellent score of 96, highlighting its "lovely dried red fruit, such as plums with just a hint of prunes" and noting the presence of "cedar, walnut, and leather undertones." Suckling praises its full-bodied nature and the complexity brought by "hints of smoke, tobacco, bark, and black tea," concluding that it is "traditionally styled with lovely results" and suitable for both immediate drinking and further aging ("jamessuckling.com," 11/2/2020).
Wine Spectator's review, which scored the wine 92, describes it as a "supple red" marked by maturity. They note flavors of "forest floor, mushroom, and cedar" that frame "dried cherry and tea" flavors. The wine's texture is described as silky, with the support of "light tannins and orange peel acidity." The review highlights its balanced and harmonious nature, recommending consumption now through 2025 ("Wine Spectator," 12/31/2020).
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded the wine a score of 94, mentioning that the 2011 vintage had a challenging act to follow after the 2010 vintage. This blend of 89% Tempranillo and 11% Graciano was matured in American oak barrels for four years, undergoing multiple rackings. The review describes classic Rioja aromas and flavors, including "decayed leaves, tobacco, sweet spices, a meaty touch, and some black fruit," with a more pronounced oak presence and a dry finish. A total of 150,000 bottles were produced ("Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate," 10/30/2020).
Wine & Spirits also gave it a 94, calling it "grand and elegant" with "plump fruit and oak spice" contributing to its complexity. They commend its "herbal savor and piquillo-pepper notes" and assert that the wine has the power to age gracefully ("Wine & Spirits," 12/1/2020).
Decanter gave the highest score of 97, praising the wine's "lovely intensity on the nose" with aromas of "smoked meat, thyme and rosemary, and classic red fruit." The tannins were described as smooth, contributing to its "graceful and elegant" profile ("Decanter," 10/2/2021).
In summary, the 2011 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is a complex, traditionally-styled red wine that has garnered high praise from multiple reviewers, with particular emphasis on its aging potential and intricate flavor profile.