2011 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904

Proprietary Blend - 750ML
Reg: $84.94
$69.94
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REVIEWS

DC 97 JS 96 WA 94 W&S 94 WS 92
DC 97

Decanter, October 2021

Lovely intensity on the nose – smoked meat, thyme and rosemary, and classic red fruit. Smooth tannins. Graceful and elegant. Nominated by Laura Bianco
JS 96

jamessuckling.com, November 2020

Lovely dried red fruit, such as plums with just a hint of prunes. Cedar, walnut and leather undertones. Full-bodied with lots of fruit, considering its age, as well as hints of smoke, tobacco, bark and black tea. Some...
WA 94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2020

I usually prefer the 904 to the 890, but there will be no Gran Reserva 890 until the 2010 vintage (from the last vintage I tasted, 2005). So, the only one of the extended-aging Haro-style reds I tasted this time was the...
W&S 94

Wine & Spirits, December 2020

Grand and elegant, in the stubbornly traditional mode of Rioja Alta classicism, this wine has enough air between the layers of plump fruit and oak spice to build generous complexity. Its herbal savor and piquillo-pepper...
WS 92

Wine Spectator, December 2020

This supple red shows maturity, with forest floor, mushroom and cedar notes framing dried cherry and tea flavors. The silky texture is supported by light tannins and orange peel acidity. Traditional style, balanced and...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Proprietary Blend
Country Spain
Region Rioja
Vintage 2011
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 14.5%
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.

Introducing the exquisite 2011 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904, a red wine that exemplifies the rich heritage and exceptional quality of the Rioja region in Spain. With a deep, garnet hue that glimmers in the glass, this wine captivates both the eye and the palate.

On the nose, aromas of dried red fruit, such as plums, are beautifully complemented by subtle hints of prunes. As the bouquet unfolds, notes of cedar, walnut, and leather emerge, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. This wine is a true testament to the artistry and skill of the winemakers at La Rioja Alta.

Upon the first sip, the 2011 Gran Reserva 904 reveals its full-bodied nature, surprising for a wine of its age. The fruit flavors are still vibrant and luscious, displaying a remarkable vitality. Alongside the fruit, there are intriguing nuances of smoke, tobacco, bark, and black tea that add depth and sophistication to the palate. The finish is marked by a touch of balsamic, leaving a lasting impression.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 96 points, praising its traditional style and remarkable fruit expression. Wine Spectator also lauds its maturity and balanced nature, awarding it 92 points. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, despite noting the dominance of oak, awarded this wine a stellar score of 94 points. Wine & Spirits magazine joins the chorus of acclaim, describing it as grand, elegant, and possessing the power to age gracefully.

Crafted from a proprietary blend of 89% Tempranillo and 11% Graciano, this Gran Reserva spent four years maturing in American oak barrels, with eight meticulous rackings during its élevage. It was bottled in November 2016, resulting in a limited production of 150,000 bottles.

For those who appreciate the timeless charm and elegance of Rioja wines, the 2011 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is a true treasure. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further development, this wine promises a remarkable journey through the storied terroir of Rioja.