1995 Rioja Gran Reserva 904
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Tasting notes
The 1995 Gran Reserva 904 is more deeply colored than the 1997, but on this day it was a bit taciturn and four-square, both aromatically and in the mouth. La Rioja Alta was founded in 1890 in Haro, the capital of Rioja Alta, in close proximity to Lopez de Heredia and Marques de Riscal. The Bodega’s wines are all blends, there are no single vineyard wines, and all of the wines are produced from estate-grown grapes. During my visit in May, 2010, I had the opportunity to taste verticals of 2 of La Rioja Alta’s wines, Vina Ardanza Reserva and Gran Reserva 904. Vina Ardanza’s wines are labeled Reserva with three exceptions. In what La Rioja Alta considers the greatest years (there have been three to date, 2001, 1973, and 1964) the wine is called Reserva Especial. There are usually four vintages a decade of La Rioja Alta’s Gran Reserva 904. It is made from a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano and aged for 5 years in barrel and 5 years in bottle prior to release. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin, www.europvin.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tempranillo 90%, Graciano 10% Looks quite mature too! This bodega has a policy of late release – good for them. Rich and traditional on the nose. This will bring back many a memory! Less in pounds than its equivalent was 10 years ago apparently! Light and delicate and a great example of a well-balanced mature wine that is actually on a shelf – all too rare nowadays. (JR)
Ruby-red. Potent bouquet of almost exotic floral and dark fruit aromas, accented by sweet underbrush and sexy oak spices. Densely packed and concentrated, boasting an abundance of cherry and dark berry flavors joined by rose and violet pastille, vanilla, mocha and red licorice. Wonderfully silky tannins give a structural underpinning to the finish of this rich, densely packed beauty. This could be enjoyed now or stashed away for another decade.
Medium red. Plum, cherry and mineral aromas, with pungent, exotic oak notes of coconut, nuts and cedar. Sweet, exotic and deep, combining a silky texture with excellent vinosity. Finishes very long and juicy, with firm acid spine and sweet oak notes of smoke and nuts. With extended aeration, the wine's oak component became increasingly dominant, however, and I found myself lowering my score. .
About the producer
Based in Haro, La Rioja Alta is one of Rioja’s most famous, traditional wine producers – alongside the likes of López de Heredia, Muga and CVNE.